HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"EN
5.5.2011 Official
Journal
of
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European
Union L
116/1
II
(Non-legislative acts)
RULES OF PROCEDURE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
RULES OF PROCEDURE
7th parliamentary term
March 2011
Note to the reader:
In accordance with Parliament’s decisions on the use of gender-neutral language in its documents, the Rules
of Procedure have been adapted to take account of the guidelines on that subject approved by the High
Level Group on Gender Equality and Diversity on 13 February 2008 and endorsed by the Bureau on
19 May 2008.
Interpretations of the Rules (pursuant to Rule 211) are in italic script.

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L 116/2
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Official Journal of the European Union
5.5.2011
CONTENTS
Page
TITLE I
MEMBERS, PARLIAMENT BODIES AND POLITICAL GROUPS . . . . . . . . . . 12
CHAPTER 1
MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Rule 1
The European Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Rule 2
The independent mandate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Rule 3
Verification of credentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Rule 4
Term of office of Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
Rule 5
Privileges and immunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Rule 6
Waiver of immunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Rule 7
Procedures on immunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Rule 8
Implementation of the Statute for Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
Rule 9
Members’ financial interests, standards of conduct and access to Parliament . . . . .
16
Rule 10
Internal investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) . . . .
16
Rule 11
Observers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
CHAPTER 2
OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Rule 12
Provisional Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Rule 13
Nominations and general provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Rule 14
Election of President - opening address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Rule 15
Election of Vice-Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Rule 16
Election of Quaestors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Rule 17
Term of office of Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Rule 18
Vacancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Rule 19
Early termination of an office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
CHAPTER 3
BODIES AND DUTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Rule 20
Duties of the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Rule 21
Duties of the Vice-Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Rule 22
Composition of the Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
Rule 23
Duties of the Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
Rule 24
Composition of the Conference of Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
Rule 25
Duties of the Conference of Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Rule 26
Duties of the Quaestors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Rule 27
Conference of Committee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Rule 28
Conference of Delegation Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Rule 29
Accountability of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21

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CHAPTER 4
POLITICAL GROUPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Rule 30
Formation of political groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Rule 31
Activities and legal situation of the political groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Rule 32
Intergroups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Rule 33
Non-attached Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Rule 34
Allocation of seats in the Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
TITLE II
LEGISLATIVE, BUDGETARY AND OTHER PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
CHAPTER 1
LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES - GENERAL PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Rule 35
The Commission Work Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Rule 36
Respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union . . . . . . . .
22
Rule 37
Verification of legal basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Rule 37a
Delegation of legislative powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
Rule 38
Verification of financial compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
Rule 38a
Examination of respect for the principle of subsidiarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
Rule 39
Access to documents and provision of information to Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
Rule 40
Representation of Parliament in Council meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
Rule 41
Rights of initiative conferred on Parliament by the Treaties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
Rule 42
Initiative pursuant to Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
Rule 43
Consideration of legislative documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
Rule 44
Legislative procedures on initiatives originating from Member States . . . . . . . . . .
25
CHAPTER 2
PROCEDURE IN COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Rule 45
Legislative reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Rule 46
Simplified procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Rule 47
Non-legislative reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Rule 48
Own-initiative reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Rule 49
Opinions of committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
Rule 50
Procedure with associated committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
Rule 51
Procedure with joint committee meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Rule 52
Drafting of reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
CHAPTER 3
FIRST READING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Committee stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Rule 53
Modification of a proposal for a legislative act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Rule 54
Commission and Council position on amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28

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Plenary stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
Rule 55
Conclusion of first reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
Rule 56
Rejection of a Commission proposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
Rule 57
Adoption of amendments to a Commission proposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
Follow-up procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
Rule 58
Follow-up to Parliament’s position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
Rule 59
Renewed referral to Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
Rule 60
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
CHAPTER 4
SECOND READING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Committee stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Rule 61
Communication of the Council’s position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Rule 62
Extension of time limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Rule 63
Referral to and procedure in the committee responsible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Plenary stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Rule 64
Conclusion of second reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Rule 65
Rejection of the Council’s position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Rule 66
Amendments to the Council’s position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
CHAPTER 5
THIRD READING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Conciliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Rule 67
Convening of the Conciliation Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Rule 68
Delegation to the Conciliation Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Plenary stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Rule 69
Joint text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Rule 70
Interinstitutional negotiations in legislative procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Rule 71
First-reading agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Rule 72
Second-reading agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Rule 73
Requirements for the drafting of legislative acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
Rule 74
Signing of adopted acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
CHAPTER 6a CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
Rule 74a
Ordinary Treaty revision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
Rule 74b
Simplified Treaty revision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
Rule 74c
Accession treaties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
Rule 74d
Withdrawal from the Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
Rule 74e
Breach by a Member State of fundamental principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35

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Rule 74f
Composition of Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Rule 74g
Enhanced cooperation between Member States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
CHAPTER 7
BUDGETARY PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Rule 75
Multiannual financial framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Rule 75a
Working documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Rule 75b
Consideration of the draft budget - first stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Rule 75c
Financial trialogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37
Rule 75d
Budgetary conciliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37
Rule 75e
Definitive adoption of the budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
Rule 75f
Provisional twelfths system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
Rule 76
Discharge to the Commission in respect of implementation of the budget . . . . .
38
Rule 77
Other discharge procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
Rule 78
Parliamentary control over implementation of the budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
CHAPTER 8
INTERNAL BUDGETARY PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
Rule 79
Estimates of Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
Rule 79a
Procedure to be applied when drawing up Parliament’s estimates . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
Rule 80
Power to incur and settle expenditure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
CHAPTER 9
CONSENT PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
Rule 81
Consent procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
CHAPTER 10 DELETED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
Rule 82
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
CHAPTER 11 OTHER PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
Rule 83
Procedure for delivering opinions pursuant to Article 140 of the Treaty on the
Functioning of the European Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
Rule 84
Procedures relating to dialogue between management and labour . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
Rule 85
Procedures for scrutiny of voluntary agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
Rule 86
Codification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
Rule 87
Recasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
Rule 87a
Delegated acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
Rule 88
Implementing measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
TITLE IIA
EXTERNAL RELATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
CHAPTER 12 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
Rule 89
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
Rule 90
International agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42

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Rule 91
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 the establishment of the Union’s position in a body set up by an
international agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
CHAPTER 13 EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION OF THE UNION AND THE COMMON FOREIGN
AND SECURITY POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Rule 92
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Rule 93
Special representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Rule 94
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Rule 95
International representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Rule 96
Consultation of, and provision of information to, Parliament within the framework
of the common foreign and security policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Rule 97
Recommendations within the framework of the common foreign and security
policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
Rule 98
Breach of human rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
CHAPTER 14 DELETED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
Rule 99
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
Rule 100
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
Rule 101
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
CHAPTER 15 DELETED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
Rule 102
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
TITLE III
TRANSPARENCY OF BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Rule 103
Transparency of Parliament’s activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44
Rule 104
Public access to documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
TITLE IV
RELATIONS WITH OTHER BODIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
CHAPTER 1
APPOINTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Rule 105
Election of the President of the Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Rule 106
Election of the Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
Rule 107
Motion of censure on the Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
Rule 107a
Nomination of Judges and Advocates-General at the Court of Justice of the
European Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
Rule 108
Appointment of the Members of the Court of Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
Rule 109
Appointment of the Members of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank
47
CHAPTER 2
STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
Rule 110
Statements by the Commission, Council and European Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
Rule 111
Statements explaining Commission decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
Rule 112
Statements by the Court of Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47

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Rule 113
Statements by the European Central Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
Rule 114
Recommendation on the broad guidelines of economic policies . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
CHAPTER 3
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
Rule 115
Questions for oral answer with debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
Rule 116
Question Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
Rule 117
Questions for written answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
Rule 118
Questions for written answer to the European Central Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
CHAPTER 4
REPORTS OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
Rule 119
Annual and other reports of other institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
CHAPTER 5
RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
Rule 120
Motions for resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
Rule 121
Recommendations to the Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
Rule 122
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
50
Rule 123
Written declarations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
Rule 124
Consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
Rule 125
Consultation of the Committee of the Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
Rule 126
Requests to European Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
CHAPTER 6
INTERINSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
Rule 127
Interinstitutional agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
CHAPTER 7
REFERRALS TO THE COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION . . . . . . .
52
Rule 128
Proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
Rule 129
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
TITLE V
RELATIONS WITH NATIONAL PARLIAMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Rule 130
Exchange of information, contacts and reciprocal facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
Rule 131
Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
Rule 132
Conferences of parliaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
TITLE VI
SESSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
CHAPTER 1
SESSIONS OF PARLIAMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
Rule 133
Parliamentary term, sessions, part-sessions, sittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
Rule 134
Convening of Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
Rule 135
Venue of sittings and meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
Rule 136
Attendance of Members at sittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54

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CHAPTER 2
ORDER OF BUSINESS OF PARLIAMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
Rule 137
Draft agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
Rule 138
Procedure in plenary without amendment and debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
Rule 139
Short presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
Rule 140
Adopting and amending the agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
Rule 141
Extraordinary debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
Rule 142
Urgent procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
Rule 143
Joint debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
Rule 144
Time limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF SITTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
Rule 145
Access to the Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
Rule 146
Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
Rule 147
Transitional arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
Rule 148
Distribution of documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
Rule 149
Allocation of speaking time and list of speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57
Rule 150
One-minute speeches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57
Rule 151
Personal statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57
CHAPTER 4
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT OF MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58
Rule 152
Immediate measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58
Rule 153
Penalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58
Rule 154
Internal appeal procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58
CHAPTER 5
QUORUM AND VOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
Rule 155
Quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
Rule 156
Tabling and moving amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
Rule 157
Admissibility of amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
Rule 158
Voting procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60
Rule 159
Tied votes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60
Rule 160
Principles governing voting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
61
Rule 161
Order of voting on amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
61
Rule 162
Committee consideration of plenary amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
Rule 163
Split voting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
Rule 164
Right to vote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
Rule 165
Voting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Rule 166
Final vote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
Rule 167
Voting by roll call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
Rule 168
Electronic voting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
Rule 169
Voting by secret ballot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63

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Rule 170
Explanations of vote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63
Rule 171
Disputes on voting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63
CHAPTER 6
INTERRUPTIVE AND PROCEDURAL MOTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
Rule 172
Procedural motions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
Rule 173
Points of order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
Rule 174
Moving the inadmissibility of a matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
Rule 175
Referral back to committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
Rule 176
Closure of a debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
Rule 177
Adjournment of a debate and vote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
65
Rule 178
Suspension or closure of the sitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
65
CHAPTER 7
PUBLIC RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
65
Rule 179
Minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
65
Rule 180
Texts adopted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
65
Rule 181
Verbatim reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
Rule 182
Audiovisual record of proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
TITLE VII
COMMITTEES AND DELEGATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
CHAPTER 1
COMMITTEES - SETTING-UP AND POWERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
Rule 183
Setting-up of standing committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
Rule 184
Setting-up of special committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
Rule 185
Committees of inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
Rule 186
Composition of committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67
Rule 187
Substitutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
68
Rule 188
Duties of committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
68
Rule 189
Committee responsible for the verification of credentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
Rule 190
Subcommittees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
Rule 191
Committee bureaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
Rule 192
Committee coordinators and shadow rapporteurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
CHAPTER 2
COMMITTEES - FUNCTIONING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
Rule 193
Committee meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
Rule 194
Minutes of committee meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
Rule 195
Voting in committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
Rule 196
Provisions concerning plenary sittings applicable in committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
Rule 197
Question Time in committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
CHAPTER 3
INTERPARLIAMENTARY DELEGATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
Rule 198
Setting-up and duties of interparliamentary delegations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70

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Rule 199
Cooperation with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe . . . . . . .
71
Rule 200
Joint parliamentary committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
71
TITLE VIII
PETITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Rule 201
Right of petition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
71
Rule 202
Examination of petitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
72
Rule 203
Notice of petitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
73
TITLE IX
OMBUDSMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Rule 204
Election of the Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
73
Rule 205
Activities of the Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
73
Rule 206
Dismissal of the Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74
TITLE X
PARLIAMENT’S SECRETARIAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Rule 207
Secretariat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74
TITLE XI
POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO POLITICAL PARTIES AT
EUROPEAN LEVEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Rule 208
Powers and responsibilities of the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74
Rule 209
Powers and responsibilities of the Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74
Rule 210
Powers and responsibilities of the committee responsible and of Parliament’s
plenary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75
TITLE XII
APPLICATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE . . . . 75
Rule 211
Application of the Rules of Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75
Rule 212
Amendment of the Rules of Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75
TITLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Rule 213
The symbols of the Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
76
Rule 214
Unfinished business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
76
Rule 215
Arrangement of annexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
76
Rule 216
Corrigenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
76
ANNEX I Provisions
governing
the
application
of
Rule
9(1)
-
Transparency
and
Members’
financial interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
78
ANNEX II
Conduct of Question Time under Rule 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
79
ANNEX III
Guidelines for questions for written answer under Rules 117 and 118 . . . . . . . .
81
ANNEX IV
Guidelines and general principles to be followed when choosing the subjects to be
included on the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights,
democracy and the rule of law provided for under Rule 122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
82

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Journal
of
the
European
Union L
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ANNEX V
Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
82
ANNEX VI
Procedure for the consideration and adoption of decisions on the granting of
discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83
ANNEX VII
Powers and responsibilities of standing committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
85
ANNEX VIII Confidential and sensitive documents and information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
92
ANNEX IX Detailed
provisions
governing
the
exercise
of
the
European
Parliament’s
right
of
inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
98
ANNEX X
Provisions governing the application of Rule 9(4) - Lobbying in Parliament . . . . . 101
ANNEX XI
Performance of the Ombudsman’s duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
ANNEX XII Prevention
of
fraud,
corruption
and
any
illegal
activity
detrimental
to
the
Commu
nities’ interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
ANNEX XIII Agreement between the European Parliament and the Commission on procedures
for implementing Council Decision 1999/468/EC laying down the procedures for
the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission, as amended by
Decision 2006/512/EC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
ANNEX XIV Framework
Agreement
on
relations
between
the
European
Parliament
and
the
European Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
ANNEX XV
Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 on public access to documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
ANNEX XVI Guidelines for the interpretation of the standards of conduct of Members . . . . . . 137
ANNEX XVII Guidelines for the approval of the Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
ANNEX XVIII Procedure for granting authorisation to draw up own-initiative reports . . . . . . . . 140
ANNEX XIX Communicating Europe in partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
ANNEX XX
Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of
13 June 2007 on practical arrangements for the codecision procedure (Article 251
of the EC Treaty) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
ANNEX XXI Code
of
conduct
for
negotiating
in
the
context
of
the
ordinary
legislative
procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

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L 116/12
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
5.5.2011
TITLE I
MEMBERS, PARLIAMENT BODIES AND POLITICAL GROUPS
CHAPTER 1
Members of the European Parliament
Rule 1
‘Poslanci Európskeho parlamentu’ in Slovak,
The European Parliament
1. The
European
Parliament
is
the
assembly
elected
pursuant
‘Poslanci Evropskega parlamenta’ in Slovenian,
to the Treaties, the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the
election of the members of the European Parliament by direct
universal suffrage and national legislation deriving from the
‘Euroopan parlamentin jsenet’ in Finnish,
Treaties.
‘Ledamter av Europaparlamentet’ in Swedish.
2. Persons
elected
to
the
European
Parliament
shall
be
referred to as:
Rule 2
‘Членове на Европейския парламент’ in Bulgarian,
The independent mandate
Members of the European Parliament shall exercise their
‘Diputados al Parlamento Europeo’ in Spanish,
mandate independently. They shall not be bound by any
instructions and shall not receive a binding mandate.
‘Poslanci Evropského parlamentu’ in Czech,
Rule 3
‘Medlemmer af Europa-Parlamentet’ in Danish,
Verification of credentials
‘Mitglieder des Europischen Parlaments’ in German,
1. Following
elections
to
the
European
Parliament,
the
President shall invite the competent authorities of the Member
‘Euroopa Parlamendi liikmed’ in Estonian,
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
‘Βoυλευτ τoυ Ευρωπακo Κoιvoβoυλoυ’ in Greek,
following the elections.
‘Members of the European Parliament’ in English,
At the same time, the President shall draw the attention of
those authorities to the relevant provisions of the Act of
‘Députés au Parlement européen’ in French,
20 September 1976 and invite them to take the necessary
measures to avoid any incompatibility with the office of
‘Feisirí de Pharlaimint na hEorpa’ in Irish,
Member of the European Parliament.
‘Deputati al Parlamento europeo’ in Italian,
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
‘Eiropas Parlamenta deputāti’ in Latvian,
Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of
Article 7(1) or (2) of the Act of 20 September 1976.
‘Europos Parlamento nariai’ in Lithuanian,
Following general elections, the declaration shall be made,
where possible, no later than 6 days prior to Parliament’s
‘Európai Parlamenti Képviselk’ in Hungarian,
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 abovemen
‘Membri tal-Parlament Ewropew’ in Maltese,
tioned written declaration, they shall take their seat in
Parliament and on its bodies and shall enjoy all the rights
‘Leden van het Europees Parlement’ in Dutch,
attaching thereto.
‘Posowie do Parlamentu Europejskiego’ in Polish,
Where it is established from facts verifiable from sources
available to the public that a Member holds an office incom
‘Deputados ao Parlamento Europeu’ in Portuguese,
patible 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
‘Deputai n Parlamentul European’ in Romanian,
its President, shall establish that there is a vacancy.

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3. On the basis of a report by the committee responsible for
cation. This notification shall take the form of an official record
the verification of credentials, Parliament shall verify credentials
drawn up in the presence of the Secretary-General or his repre
without delay and rule on the validity of the mandate of each of
sentative, signed by the latter and by the Member concerned
its newly elected Members and also on any dispute referred to it
and immediately submitted to the committee responsible, which
pursuant to the provisions of the Act of 20 September 1976,
shall enter it on the agenda of its first meeting following receipt
except those based on national electoral laws.
of the document.
4. The
committee’s
report
shall
be
based
on
the
official
notification by each Member State of the full results of the
If the committee responsible considers that the resignation is
election specifying the names of the candidates elected and
not in accordance with the spirit or the letter of the Act of
those of any substitutes together with their ranking in
20 September 1976 it shall inform Parliament to this effect so
accordance with the results of the vote.
that Parliament can decide whether or not to establish the
vacancy.
The validity of the mandate of a Member may not be confirmed
unless the written declarations required under this Rule and
Otherwise, the vacancy shall be established with effect from the
Annex I to these Rules have been made.
date indicated by the resigning Member in the official record.
There shall be no vote in Parliament on the subject.
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.
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
5. Where the appointment of a Member is due to the with
the committee responsible and where, as the vacancy has not been
drawal of candidates from the same list, the committee shall
established, the political group to which the resigning Member
ensure that the withdrawals in question have taken place in
belongs is not able to obtain a replacement Member during those
accordance with the spirit and the letter of the Act of
part-sessions. Under this procedure, the rapporteur of the committee
20 September 1976 and Rule 4(3).
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
6. The
committee
shall
ensure
that
any
information
which to the committee chair, requesting, pursuant to paragraph 3:
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
— either that the President be informed on behalf of the committee
the Member States or of the Union, with an indication of the
that the vacancy may be established, or
date of effect in the case of an appointment.
Should the competent authorities of the Member States initiate
— that an extraordinary meeting of the committee be convened to
a procedure which might lead to the disqualification of a
examine any specific difficulties noted by the rapporteur.
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
4. Where
the
competent
authority
of
a
Member
State
notifies
may adopt a position on the matter.
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
Rule 4
within the meaning of Article 7(3) of the Act of
20 September 1976 or withdrawal of the mandate pursuant
Term of office of Members
to Article 13(3) of that Act, the President shall inform
1. A
Member’s
term
of
office
shall
begin
and
end
as
laid Parliament that the mandate ended on the date communicated
down in the Act of 20 September 1976. It shall also end on
by the Member State and shall invite the Member State to fill
death or resignation.
the vacant seat without delay.
2. Every
Member
shall
remain
in
office
until
the
opening
of Where the competent authorities of the Member States or of the
the first sitting of Parliament following the elections.
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
3. Members
who
resign
shall
notify
the
President
of
their meaning of Article 7(1) or (2) of the Act of 20 September
resignation and of the date on which that resignation is to
1976, the President shall inform Parliament, which shall
take effect, which may not be more than 3 months after notifi
establish that there is a vacancy.

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5.
The authorities of the Member States or of the Union shall
of the Council regarding public access to European Parliament,
inform the President of any assignment they intend to confer
Council and Commission documents are laid down in Annex
on a Member. The President shall refer to the committee
VIII to these Rules of Procedure.
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
Rule 6
and the authorities concerned of the conclusions reached by
that committee.
Waiver of immunity
1. In
the
exercise
of
its
powers
in
respect
of
privileges
and
immunities, Parliament shall seek primarily to uphold its
6.
The following shall be considered as the date of the end of
integrity as a democratic legislative assembly and to secure
the term of office and the effective date of a vacancy:
the independence of its Members in the performance of their
duties.
— in the case of resignation: the date on which the vacancy is
established by Parliament, in accordance with the notifi
2. Any
request
addressed
to
the
President
by
a
competent
cation of resignation,
authority of a Member State that the immunity of a Member be
waived shall be announced in Parliament and referred to the
committee responsible.
— in the case of appointment or election to an office incom
patible with the office of Member of the European
Parliament within the meaning of Article 7(1) or (2) of
3. Any
request
addressed
to
the
President
by
a
Member
or
a
the Act of 20 September 1976: the date notified by the
former Member to defend privileges and immunities shall be
competent authorities of the Member States or of the
announced in Parliament and referred to the committee
Union or by the Member concerned.
responsible.
7. When
Parliament
has
established
that
a
vacancy
exists,
it The Member or former Member may be represented by another
shall inform the Member State concerned and invite it to fill the
Member. The request may not be made by another Member without
seat without delay.
the agreement of the Member concerned.
8. Any
dispute
concerning
the
validity
of
the
appointment
of 4. As
a
matter
of
urgency,
in
circumstances
where
Members
a Member whose credentials have already been verified shall be
are arrested or have their freedom of movement curtailed in
referred to the committee responsible, which shall report to
apparent breach of their privileges and immunities, the
Parliament without delay and no later than the beginning of
President, after having consulted the chair and rapporteur of
the next part-session.
the committee responsible, may take an initiative to assert the
privileges and immunities of the Member concerned. The
President shall notify the committee of that initiative and
inform Parliament.
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.
Rule 7
Procedures on immunity
1. The
committee
responsible
shall
consider
without
delay
Rule 5
and in the order in which they have been submitted requests
Privileges and immunities
for the waiver of immunity or requests for the defence of
immunity and privileges.
1. Members shall enjoy privileges and immunities in
accordance with the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities
of the European Union.
2. 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
2. Passes
allowing
Members
to
circulate
freely
in
the
Member immunity and privileges.
States shall be issued to them by the President of Parliament as
soon as he has been notified of their election.
3. The
committee
may
ask
the
authority
concerned
to
provide any information or explanation which the committee
3. Members
shall
be
entitled
to
inspect
any
files
held
by deems necessary in order for it to form an opinion on whether
Parliament or a committee, other than personal files and
immunity should be waived or defended. The Member
accounts which only the Members concerned shall be allowed
concerned shall be given an opportunity to be heard, may
to inspect. Exceptions to this rule for the handling of
present any documents or other written evidence deemed by
documents to which public access may be refused pursuant to
that Member to be relevant and may be represented by another
Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and
Member.

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4. Where
the
request
seeks
the
waiver
of
immunity
on
Without prejudice to Rule 151, the Member whose privileges or
several counts, each of these may be the subject of a separate
immunities are under consideration shall not speak in the
decision. The committee’s report may, exceptionally, propose
debate.
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
The proposal(s) for a decision contained in the report shall be
from performing the duties proper to the mandate.
put to the vote at the first voting time following the debate.
5. Where
Members
are
required
to
appear
as
witnesses
or After Parliament has considered the matter, a separate vote shall
expert witnesses, there is no need to request a waiver of
be taken on each of the proposals contained in the report. If a
immunity, provided:
proposal is rejected, the contrary decision shall be deemed
adopted.
— that they will not be obliged to appear on a date or at a
time which prevents them from performing, or makes it
9. The
President
shall
immediately
communicate
Parliament’s
difficult for them to perform, their parliamentary duties,
decision to the Member concerned and to the competent
or that they will be able to provide a statement in writing
authority of the Member State concerned, with a request that
or in any other form which does not make it difficult for
the President be informed of any developments in the relevant
them to fulfil their parliamentary duties,
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.
— 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.
10. When the President makes use of the powers conferred
on him by Rule 6(4), the committee responsible shall take
cognisance of the President’s initiative at its next meeting.
6. In
cases
concerning
the
defence
of
immunity
or
privileges, Where the committee deems it necessary it may prepare a
the committee shall state whether the circumstances constitute
report for submission to Parliament.
an administrative or other restriction imposed on the free
movement of Members travelling to or from the place of
meeting of Parliament or an opinion expressed or a vote cast
in the performance of the mandate or fall within aspects of
Article 10 of the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities which
11. The
committee
shall
treat
these
matters
and
handle
any
are not a matter of national law, and shall make a proposal to
documents received with the utmost confidentiality.
invite the authority concerned to draw the necessary
conclusions.
12. The
committee,
after
consulting
the
Member
States,
may
draw up an indicative list of the authorities of the Member
7. The
committee
may
offer
a
reasoned
opinion
as
to
the States which are competent to present a request for the
competence of the authority in question and the admissibility of
waiver of a Member’s immunity.
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
13. Any
inquiry
as
to
the
scope
of
Members’
privileges
or
knowledge of the facts of the case.
immunities made by a competent authority shall be dealt with
in accordance with the above rules.
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
Rule 8
tabled. No amendments may be tabled to the proposal(s) for a
decision.
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 138(1) shall
Discussion shall be confined to the reasons for and against each
apply mutatis mutandis. The Bureau shall be responsible for
proposal to waive or uphold immunity, or to defend immunity
the application of these rules and shall decide on the financial
or a privilege.
envelopes on the basis of the annual budget.

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Rule 9
The provisions governing the application of this paragraph shall
be laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure (
Members’ financial interests, standards of conduct and

3 ).
access to Parliament
1. Parliament
shall
lay
down
rules
governing
the
trans
parency of its Members’ financial interests, which shall be
5. The code of conduct and the rights and privileges of
attached to these Rules of Procedure as an annex ( 1 ).
former Members shall be laid down by a decision of the
Bureau. No distinction shall be made in the treatment of
former Members.
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.
Rule 10
2. Members’
conduct
shall
be
characterised
by
mutual Internal investigations conducted by the European
respect, be based on the values and principles laid down in
Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
the basic texts on which the European Union is founded,
The common rules laid down in the Interinstitutional
respect the dignity of Parliament and not compromise the
Agreement of 25 May 1999 concerning internal investigations
smooth conduct of parliamentary business or disturb the
by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) comprising the
peace and quiet of any of Parliament’s premises. Members
measures needed to facilitate the smooth running of investi
shall comply with Parliament’s rules on the treatment of confi
gations conducted by the Office shall be applicable within
dential information.
Parliament, pursuant to the Parliament Decision annexed to
these Rules of Procedure ( 4 ).
Failure to comply with those standards and rules may lead to
application of measures in accordance with Rules 152, 153 and
154.
Rule 11
Observers
3. The
application
of
this
Rule
shall
in
no
way
detract
from
the liveliness of parliamentary debates nor undermine Members’
1. Where a Treaty on the accession of a State to the
freedom of speech.
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
It shall be based on full respect for Members’ prerogatives, as
among its own members a number of observers equal to the
laid down in primary law and the Statute for Members.
number of future seats in the European Parliament allocated to
that State.
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
2. Those
observers
shall
take
part
in
the
proceedings
of
and obligations.
Parliament pending the entry into force of the Treaty of
Accession, and shall have a right to speak in committees and
4. The
Quaestors
shall
be
responsible
for
issuing
nominative political groups. They shall not have the right to vote or to
passes valid for a maximum of 1 year to persons who wish to
stand for election to positions in Parliament. Their participation
enter Parliament’s premises frequently in order to supply
shall not have any legal effect on Parliament’s proceedings.
information to Members within the framework of their parlia
mentary mandate in their own interests or those of third
parties.
3. Their
treatment
shall
be
assimilated
to
that
of
a
Member
of Parliament as regards the use of Parliament’s facilities and the
In return, those persons shall be required to:
reimbursement of expenses incurred in their activities as
observers.
— respect the code of conduct published as an annex to these
Rules of Procedure ( 2 ),
4. Paragraph
1
shall
apply mutatis mutandis pending the entry
into force of the arrangement ( 5 ) whereby a number of addi
— sign a register kept by the Quaestors.
tional seats in Parliament are allocated to certain Member States
until the end of the seventh parliamentary term. The Member
States concerned shall be invited to designate observers in
That register shall be made available to the public on request in
accordance with their national law.
all of Parliament’s places of work and, in the form laid down by
the Quaestors, in its information offices in the Member States.
( 3 ) See Annex X.
( 4 ) See Annex XII.
( 1 ) See Annex I.
( 5 ) Pursuant to the conclusions of the European Council of 11 and
( 2 ) See Annex X.
12 December 2008.

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CHAPTER 2
Officers of Parliament
Rule 12
vacate the chair. Only the elected President may deliver an
opening address.
Provisional Chair
1. At
the
sitting
provided
for
under
Rule
134(2),
and
at
any
other sitting held for the purpose of electing the President and
Rule 15
the Bureau, the outgoing President or, failing him or her, one of
the outgoing Vice-Presidents in order of precedence or, in the
Election of Vice-Presidents
absence of any of them, the Member having held office for the
1. The
Vice-Presidents
shall
then
be
elected
on
a
single
ballot
longest period shall take the chair until the President has been
paper. Those who on the first ballot, up to the number of 14,
elected.
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
2. No
business
shall
be
transacted
while
a
Member
is
provi
filled, a second ballot shall be held under the same conditions
sionally in the chair by virtue of paragraph 1 unless it is
to fill the remaining seats. Should a third ballot be necessary, a
concerned with the election of the President or the verification
relative majority shall suffice for election to the remaining seats.
of credentials.
In the event of a tie the oldest candidates shall be declared
elected.
The Member who is provisionally in the chair by virtue of paragraph 1
Although this Rule, unlike Rule 14(1), does not expressly provide for
exercises the powers of the President referred to in the second
new nominations to be introduced between ballots during the election
subparagraph of Rule 3(2). Any other matter relating to the verifi
of Vice-Presidents, such action is permissible because Parliament, being
cation of credentials that is raised when he or she is in the chair is
a sovereign body, must be able to consider all possible candidates,
referred to the committee responsible for the verification of credentials.
especially since the absence of such an option might impede the
smooth running of the election.
Rule 13
2. Subject to the provisions of Rule 18(1), the Vice-
Nominations and general provisions
Presidents shall take precedence in the order in which they
were elected and, in the event of a tie, by age.
1. The
President,
Vice-Presidents
and
Quaestors
shall
be
elected by secret ballot, in accordance with Rule 169. Nomi
nations shall be with consent. They may only be made by a
political group or by at least 40 Members. However, if the
Where they are not elected by secret ballot, the order in which
number of nominations does not exceed the number of seats
their names are read out to the House by the President shall
to be filled, the candidates may be elected by acclamation.
determine the order of precedence.
Rule 16
2. In the election of the President, Vice-Presidents and
Quaestors, account should be taken of the need to ensure an
Election of Quaestors
overall fair representation of Member States and political views.
After the election of the Vice-Presidents, Parliament shall elect
five Quaestors.
Rule 14
The Quaestors shall be elected by the same procedure as the
Election of President - opening address
Vice-Presidents.
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 12, who shall announce them to
Rule 17
Parliament. If after three ballots no candidate has obtained an
absolute majority of the votes cast, the fourth ballot shall be
Term of office of Officers
confined to the two Members who have obtained the highest
number of votes in the third ballot. In the event of a tie the
1. The
term
of
office
of
the
President,
Vice-Presidents
and
older candidate shall be declared elected.
Quaestors shall be 2 years.
When Members change political groups they shall retain, for the
2. As
soon
as
the
President
has
been
elected,
the
Member remainder of their 2 -year term of office, any seat they hold in
who is provisionally in the chair by virtue of Rule 12 shall
the Bureau or the College of Quaestors.

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2. Should
a
vacancy
for
one
of
these
positions
occur
before 2. Should the President’s seat become vacant, the first Vice-
the expiry of this term of office, the Member elected shall serve
President shall act as President until a new President is elected.
only for the remaining period of his or her predecessor’s term
of office.
Rule 19
Rule 18
Early termination of an office
Vacancies
The Conference of Presidents may, acting by a majority of three
fifths of the votes cast, representing at least three political
1. Should
it
be
necessary
for
the
President,
a
Vice-President groups, propose to Parliament that it terminate the holding of
or a Quaestor to be replaced, the successor shall be elected in
office of the President, a Vice-President, a Quaestor, a Chair or
accordance with the above rules.
Vice-Chair of a committee, a Chair or Vice-Chair of an inter
parliamentary delegation, or any other holder of an office
elected within the Parliament, where it considers that the
Member in question has been guilty of serious misconduct.
Such a proposal shall be approved by Parliament by a
A newly elected Vice-President shall take the place of his or her
majority of two thirds of the votes cast, constituting a
predecessor in the order of precedence.
majority of its component Members.
CHAPTER 3
Bodies and duties
Rule 20
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,
Duties of the President
he shall vacate the chair and shall not reoccupy it until the
1. The
President
shall
direct
all
the
activities
of
Parliament debate is over.
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.
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.
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
Rule 21
in, a prolonged and serious obstruction of the procedures of the House
Duties of the Vice-Presidents
or the rights of other Members.
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 20(3),
he shall be replaced by one of the Vice-Presidents in accordance
with Rule 15(2).
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 161(7), the President may seek the
agreement of Parliament before doing so.
2. The
Vice-Presidents
shall
also
carry
out
the
duties
conferred upon them under Rules 23, 25(3) and (5) and 68(3).
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
3. The
President
may
delegate
to
the
Vice-Presidents
any
conformity of reports with these Rules; to ensure observance
duties such as representing Parliament at specific ceremonies
of these Rules, maintain order, call upon speakers, close debates,
or acts. In particular, the President may designate a Vice-
put matters to the vote and announce the results of votes; and
President to take charge of the responsibilities conferred on
to refer to committees any communications that concern them.
the President in Rules 116(3) and 117(2).

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Rule 22
The same shall apply in the case of the delegations, except
where the members and substitutes concerned agree otherwise.
Composition of the Bureau
1. The Bureau shall consist of the President and the 14 Vice-
Presidents of Parliament.
10. The
Bureau
shall
appoint
the
Secretary-General
in
accordance with Rule 207.
2. The
Quaestors
shall
be
members
of
the
Bureau
in
an
advisory capacity.
11. The
Bureau
shall
lay
down
the
implementing
rules
relating to Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European
3. If voting in the Bureau results in a tie, the President shall
Parliament and of the Council on the regulations governing
have the casting vote.
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.
Rule 23
Duties of the Bureau
12. The
Bureau
shall
lay
down
rules
concerning
the
1. The
Bureau
shall
carry
out
the
duties
assigned
to
it
under treatment of confidential information by Parliament and its
the Rules of Procedure.
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
2. The
Bureau
shall
take
financial,
organisational
and
admin
istrative decisions on matters concerning the internal organi
European Union and annexed to these Rules of Procedure.
sation of Parliament, its Secretariat and its bodies.
13. The
President
and/or
the
Bureau
may
entrust
one
or
3. The
Bureau
shall
take
financial,
organisational
and
admin
more members of the Bureau with general or specific tasks
istrative decisions on matters concerning Members on a
lying within the competence of the President and/or the
proposal of the Secretary-General or of a political group.
Bureau. At the same time the ways and means of carrying
them out shall be laid down.
4. The Bureau shall take decisions on matters relating to the
conduct of sittings.
14. The
Bureau
shall
nominate
two
Vice-Presidents
who
shall
be entrusted with the implementation of relations with national
The term ‘conduct of sittings’ includes the matter of the conduct of
parliaments.
Members within all of Parliament’s premises.
They shall report back regularly to the Conference of Presidents
5. The
Bureau
shall
adopt
the
provisions
referred
to
in
Rule on their activities in this regard.
33 concerning non-attached Members.
6. The
Bureau
shall
decide
the
establishment
plan
of
the 15. When a new Parliament is elected, the outgoing Bureau
Secretariat and lay down regulations concerning the adminis
shall remain in office until the first sitting of the new
trative and financial situation of officials and other servants.
Parliament.
7. The
Bureau
shall
draw
up
Parliament’s
preliminary
draft
budget estimates.
Rule 24
Composition of the Conference of Presidents
8. The
Bureau
shall
adopt
the
guidelines
for
the
Quaestors
in 1. The Conference of Presidents shall consist of the President
accordance with Rule 26.
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.
9. The
Bureau
shall
be
the
authority
responsible
for
auth
orising meetings of committees away from the usual places of
work, hearings and study and fact-finding journeys by
2. The
President
of
Parliament
shall
invite
one
of
the
non-
rapporteurs.
attached Members to attend meetings of the Conference of
Presidents, without having the right to vote.
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
3. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
endeavour
to
reach
a
concerned.
consensus on matters referred to it.

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Where a consensus cannot be reached, the matter shall be put
10. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
submit
proposals
to
to a vote subject to a weighting based on the number of
the Bureau on administrative and budgetary matters concerning
Members in each political group.
the political groups.
Rule 25
Rule 26
Duties of the Conference of Presidents
Duties of the Quaestors
1. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
carry
out
the
duties The Quaestors shall be responsible for administrative and
assigned to it under these Rules of Procedure.
financial matters directly concerning Members, in accordance
with guidelines laid down by the Bureau.
2. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
take
decisions
on
the
organisation of Parliament’s work and matters of legislative
Rule 27
planning.
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
3. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
be
the
authority chair.
responsible for matters concerning relations with the other
institutions and bodies of the European Union and with the
national parliaments of Member States.
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.
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.
2. The
Conference
of
Committee
Chairs
may
make
recom
mendations to the Conference of Presidents about the work of
committees and the drafting of the agenda of part-sessions.
5. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
be
responsible
for
orga
nising structured consultation with European civil society on
major topics. This may include holding public debates, open
3. The
Bureau
and
the
Conference
of
Presidents
may
instruct
to participation by interested citizens, on subjects of general
the Conference of Committee Chairs to carry out specific tasks.
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.
Rule 28
Conference of Delegation Chairs
6. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
draw
up
the
draft
agenda of Parliament’s part-sessions.
1. The Conference of Delegation Chairs shall consist of the
Chairs of all standing interparliamentary delegations. It shall
elect its chair.
7. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
be
the
authority
responsible for the composition and competence of committees,
In the absence of the Chair, the meeting of the Conference shall be
committees of inquiry, joint parliamentary committees, standing
chaired by the oldest Member, or, in the absence of the latter, by the
delegations and ad hoc delegations.
oldest Member present.
8. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
decide
how
seats
in
the 2. The
Conference
of
Delegation
Chairs
may
make
recom
Chamber are to be allocated pursuant to Rule 34.
mendations to the Conference of Presidents about the work of
the delegations.
9. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
be
the
authority
responsible for authorising the drawing up of own-initiative
3. The
Bureau
and
the
Conference
of
Presidents
may
instruct
reports.
the Conference of Delegation Chairs to carry out specific tasks.

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Rule 29
Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, decides otherwise with regard
to certain items of the minutes.
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,
2. Any
Member
may
ask
questions
concerning
the
work
of
printed and distributed to all Members of Parliament and shall
the Bureau, the Conference of Presidents and the Quaestors.
be accessible to the public, unless the Bureau or the Conference
Such questions shall be submitted to the President in writing,
of Presidents exceptionally, for reasons of confidentiality, as laid
notified to Members and published on Parliament’s website
down in Article 4(1) to (4) of European Parliament and Council
within 30 days of tabling, together with the answers given.
CHAPTER 4
Political groups
Rule 30
6. The
statement
shall
be
published
in
the Official Journal of
the European Union.
Formation of political groups
1. Members
may
form
themselves
into
groups
according
to
their political affinities.
Rule 31
Activities and legal situation of the political groups
Parliament need not normally evaluate the political affinity of members
of a group. In forming a group together under this Rule, the Members
1. The political groups shall carry out their duties as part of
concerned accept by definition that they have political affinity. Only
the activities of the Union, including the tasks allocated to them
when this is denied by the Members concerned is it necessary for
by these Rules of Procedure. The political groups shall be
Parliament to evaluate whether the group has been constituted in
provided with a secretariat on the basis of the establishment
accordance with the Rules.
plan of the Secretariat, with administrative facilities and with the
appropriations entered for that purpose in Parliament’s budget.
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
2. The
Bureau
shall
lay
down
the
rules
relating
to
the
be 25.
provision, implementation and monitoring of those facilities
and appropriations, as well as to the related delegations of
budget implementation powers.
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. Those
rules
shall
determine
the
administrative
and
financial consequences in the event of the dissolution of a
political group.
— the members continue to represent at least one fifth of the
Member States,
Rule 32
— the group has been in existence for a period longer than a
Intergroups
year.
1. Individual
Members
may
form
Intergroups
or
other
unof
ficial groupings of Members, to hold informal exchanges of
views on specific issues across different political groups,
The President shall not apply this derogation where there is
drawing on members of different parliamentary committees,
sufficient evidence to suspect that it is being abused.
and to promote contact between Members and civil society.
4. A
Member
may
not
belong
to
more
than
one
political
group.
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
5. The
President
shall
be
notified
in
a
statement
when
a down in the rules governing their establishment adopted by the
political group is set up. This statement shall specify the
Bureau are met, political groups may facilitate their activities by
name of the group and the names of its members and bureau
providing them with logistical support. Such groupings shall
members.
declare any external support in accordance with Annex I.

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Rule 33
3. The
Bureau
shall
lay
down
the
rules
relating
to
the
provision, implementation and auditing of appropriations
Non-attached Members
entered in Parliament’s budget to cover the secretarial
1. Members
who
do
not
belong
to
a
political
group
shall
be expenses and administrative facilities of non-attached Members.
provided with a secretariat. The detailed arrangements shall be
laid down by the Bureau on a proposal from the Secretary-
Rule 34
General.
Allocation of seats in the Chamber
The Conference of Presidents shall decide how seats in the
2. The
Bureau
shall
determine
the
status
and
parliamentary Chamber are to be allocated to the political groups, the non-
rights of such Members.
attached Members and the institutions of the European Union.
TITLE II
LEGISLATIVE, BUDGETARY AND OTHER PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 1
Legislative procedures - general provisions
Rule 35
Rule 36
The Commission Work Programme
Respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the
European Union
1. Parliament
shall
work
together
with
the
Commission
and
the Council to determine the legislative planning of the
1. Parliament
shall
in
all
its
activities
fully
respect
funda
European Union.
mental rights as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental
Rights of the European Union.
Parliament and the Commission shall cooperate in preparing the
Parliament shall also fully respect the rights and principles
Commission Work Programme – which is the Commission’s
enshrined in Article 2 and in Article 6(2) and (3) of the
contribution to the Union’s annual and multiannual
Treaty on European Union.
programming – in accordance with the timetable and
arrangements agreed between the two institutions and
annexed to these Rules of Procedure ( 6 ).
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
2. In
urgent
and
unforeseen
circumstances,
an
institution European Union, the matter shall, at their request, be referred to
may, on its own initiative and in accordance with the
the committee responsible for the interpretation of the Charter.
procedures laid down in the Treaties, propose adding a legis
The opinion of that committee shall be annexed to the report of
lative measure to those proposed in the Commission Work
the committee responsible for the subject matter.
Programme.
Rule 37
3. The
President
shall
forward
the
resolution
adopted
by
Verification of legal basis
Parliament to the other institutions which participate in the
European Union’s legislative procedure and to the parliaments
1. In
the
case
of
all
proposals
for
legislative
acts
and
other
of the Member States.
documents of a legislative nature, the committee responsible for
the subject matter shall first verify the legal basis.
The President shall ask the Council to express an opinion on
2. If that committee disputes the validity or the appropri
the Commission Work Programme and on Parliament’s
ateness of the legal basis, including in the context of the verifi
resolution.
cation pursuant to Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union,
it shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for
legal affairs.
4. Where
an
institution
is
unable
to
comply
with
the
timetable laid down it is required to notify the other institutions
3. The
committee
responsible
for
legal
affairs
may
also
on
its
as to the reasons for the delay and to propose a new timetable.
own initiative take up questions concerning the legal basis of
the proposals for legislative acts. In such cases it shall duly
( 6 ) See Annex XIV.
inform the committee responsible for the subject matter.

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4. If
the
committee
responsible
for
legal
affairs
decides
to shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for
dispute the validity or the appropriateness of the legal basis,
budgetary issues.
it shall report its conclusions to Parliament. Parliament shall
vote on this before voting on the substance of the proposal.
4. The
committee
responsible
for
budgetary
issues
may
also
on its own initiative take up questions concerning the financial
5. Amendments
tabled
in
Parliament
to
change
the
legal compatibility of proposals for legislative acts. In such cases it
basis of a proposal for a legislative act without the committee
shall duly inform the committee responsible for the subject
responsible for the subject matter or the committee responsible
matter.
for legal affairs having disputed the validity or appropriateness
of the legal basis shall be inadmissible.
5. If
the
committee
responsible
for
budgetary
issues
decides
to dispute the financial compatibility of the proposal, it shall
6. If
the
Commission
does
not
agree
to
modify
its
proposal report its conclusions to Parliament which shall put them to the
to conform to the legal basis approved by Parliament, the
vote.
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
6. An
act
declared
incompatible
may
be
adopted
by
postponed to a subsequent sitting.
Parliament subject to the decisions of the Budgetary Authority.
Rule 37a
Rule 38a
Delegation of legislative powers
Examination of respect for the principle of subsidiarity
1. When scrutinising a proposal for a legislative act which
1. During the examination of a proposal for a legislative act,
delegates powers to the Commission as provided for in
Parliament shall pay particular attention to respect for the prin
Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
ciples of subsidiarity and proportionality.
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.
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
2. The
committee
responsible
for
the
subject
matter
may
at in respect of any proposal for a legislative act.
any time request the opinion of the committee responsible for
the interpretation and application of Union law.
3. If a national parliament sends the President a reasoned
opinion in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol on the
3. The
committee
responsible
for
the
interpretation
and role of national parliaments in the European Union and
application of Union law may also, on its own initiative, take
Article 6 of the Protocol on the application of the principles
up questions concerning the delegation of legislative powers. In
of subsidiarity and proportionality, that document shall be
such cases it shall duly inform the committee responsible for
referred to the committee responsible for the subject-matter
the subject matter.
and forwarded for information to the committee responsible
for respect of the principle of subsidiarity.
Rule 38
4. Except in the cases of urgency referred to in Article 4 of
Verification of financial compatibility
the Protocol on the role of national parliaments in the European
1. Where a proposal for a legislative act has financial impli
Union, the committee responsible for the subject-matter shall
cations, Parliament shall establish whether sufficient financial
not proceed to its final vote before the expiry of the deadline of
resources are provided.
8 weeks laid down in Article 6 of the Protocol on the appli
cation of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
2. Without
prejudice
to
Rule
43,
the
committee
responsible
for the subject matter shall verify the financial compatibility of
5. Where
reasoned
opinions
on
the
non-compliance
of
a
any proposal for a legislative act, or any other document of a
proposal for a legislative act with the principle of subsidiarity
legislative nature, with the multiannual financial framework.
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,
3. When the committee responsible for the subject matter
Parliament shall not take a decision until the author of the
amends the financial endowment of the act it is considering, it
proposal has stated how it intends to proceed.

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6. Where,
under
the
ordinary
legislative
procedure,
reasoned
Rule 41
opinions on the non-compliance of a proposal for a legislative
act with the principle of subsidiarity represent at least a simple
Rights of initiative conferred on Parliament by the Treaties
majority of the votes allocated to the national parliaments, the
In cases where the Treaties confer a right of initiative on
committee responsible for the subject-matter, having considered
Parliament, the committee responsible may decide to draw up
the reasoned opinions submitted by the national parliaments
an own-initiative report.
and the Commission, and having heard the views of the
committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsi
diarity, may recommend to Parliament that it reject the
proposal on the grounds of infringement of the principle of
The report shall comprise:
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 subsi
(a) a motion for a resolution;
diarity shall be annexed to any such recommendation.
(b) where appropriate, a draft decision or a draft proposal;
The recommendation shall be submitted to Parliament for a
(c) an explanatory statement including, where appropriate, a
debate and vote. If a recommendation to reject the proposal
financial statement.
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.
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.
Rule 39
Access to documents and provision of information to
Parliament
Rule 42
1. Throughout
the
legislative
procedure
Parliament
and
its Initiative pursuant to Article 225 of the Treaty on the
committees shall request access to all documents relating to
Functioning of the European Union
proposals for legislative acts under the same conditions as the
Council and its working parties.
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 48. The resolution shall be adopted by a majority of the
2. During the examination of a proposal for a legislative act,
component Members of Parliament in the final vote. Parliament
the committee responsible shall ask the Commission and the
may, at the same time, set a deadline for the submission of such
Council to keep it informed of the progress of that proposal in
a proposal.
the Council and its working parties and in particular to inform
it of any emerging compromises which will substantially amend
the original proposal, or of the author’s intention to withdraw
its proposal.
2. Any Member may table a proposal for a Union act on the
basis of the right of initiative granted to Parliament pursuant to
Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union.
Rule 40
3. The
proposal
shall
be
submitted
to
the
President,
who
Representation of Parliament in Council meetings
shall refer it to the committee responsible for consideration.
Before such referral, the proposal shall be translated into
When the Council invites Parliament to take part in a Council
those official languages which the Chair of that committee
meeting in which the Council acts in a legislative capacity, the
considers necessary in order to make summary consideration
President shall ask the Chair or rapporteur of the committee
possible. The committee shall take a decision on further action
responsible, or another Member designated by the committee,
within 3 months of the referral, and after having heard the
to represent Parliament.
author of the proposal.

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Where the committee decides to submit the proposal to
The provisions for the second reading as set out in Rules 61 to
Parliament in accordance with the procedure set out in Rule
66 and 72 shall apply to Council positions.
48, the author of the proposal shall be named in the title of the
report.
3. During
the
conciliation
procedure
between
Parliament
and
the Council following the second reading, no referral back to
4. Parliament’s
resolution
shall
indicate
the
appropriate
legal committee shall take place.
basis and be accompanied by detailed recommendations as to
the content of the required proposals, which shall respect funda
mental rights and the principle of subsidiarity.
The provisions for the third reading as set out in Rules 67, 68
and 69 shall apply to the conciliation procedure.
5. Where
a
proposal
has
financial
implications,
Parliament
shall indicate how sufficient financial resources can be provided.
4. Rules 45, 46, 49, 55(1) and (3), 56, 57 and 175 shall not
apply during the second and third readings.
6. The
committee
responsible
shall
monitor
the
progress
of
preparation of any proposed legislative act drawn up following
a particular request by Parliament.
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
Rule 43
second and third readings shall take precedence.
Consideration of legislative documents
1. Proposals
for
legislative
acts
and
other
documents
of
a
legislative nature shall be referred by the President to the
Rule 44
committee responsible for consideration.
Legislative procedures on initiatives originating from
Member States
1. Initiatives
originating
from
Member
States
pursuant
to
In cases of doubt the President may apply Rule 188(2) before
Article 76 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
the announcement in Parliament of referral to the committee
Union shall be dealt with pursuant to this Rule and Rules 36 to
responsible.
39, 43 and 55.
In cases where a proposal is listed in the Commission Work
2. The
committee
responsible
may
invite
representatives
of
Programme the committee responsible may decide to appoint a
the originating Member States to present their initiative to the
rapporteur to follow the preparatory phase of the proposal.
committee. The representatives may be accompanied by the
Presidency of the Council.
Consultations by the Council or requests from the Commission
for an opinion shall be forwarded by the President to the
3. Before the committee responsible proceeds to the vote, it
committee responsible for consideration of the proposal
shall ask the Commission whether it is preparing an opinion on
concerned.
the initiative. In the affirmative, the committee shall not adopt
its report before receiving the Commission’s opinion.
The provisions for the first reading as set out in Rules 36 to 42,
53 to 59 and 71 shall apply to proposals for legislative acts
whether they require one, two or three readings.
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
2. Council
positions
shall
be
referred
for
consideration
to
the indicate to which text it has proposed amendments and it shall
committee responsible at the first reading.
refer to all other texts in the legislative resolution.

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CHAPTER 2
Procedure in committee
Rule 45
4. The
first
and
second
sentences
of
paragraph
1,
the
first,
second and third sentences of paragraph 2 and paragraph 3
Legislative reports
shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to committee opinions within
1. The
Chair
of
the
committee
to
which
a
proposal
for
a the meaning of Rule 49.
legislative act is referred shall propose to the committee the
procedure to be followed.
Rule 47
Non-legislative reports
2. Following
a
decision
on
the
procedure
to
be
followed,
and
if Rule 46 does not apply, the committee shall appoint a
1. Where a committee draws up a non-legislative report, it
rapporteur on the proposal for a legislative act from among
shall appoint a rapporteur from among its members or
its members or permanent substitutes if it has not yet done
permanent substitutes.
so on the basis of the Commission Work Programme agreed
under Rule 35.
2. The
rapporteur
shall
be
responsible
for
preparing
the
committee’s report and for presenting it to Parliament on
3. The
committee’s
report
shall
comprise:
behalf of the committee.
(a) amendments, if any, to the proposal, accompanied, if appro
3. The
committee’s
report
shall
comprise:
priate, by short justifications which shall be the responsi
bility of the rapporteur and shall not be put to the vote;
(a) a motion for a resolution;
(b) a draft legislative resolution, in accordance with Rule 55(2);
(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
(c) if appropriate, an explanatory statement including a
financial framework;
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 120(4).
Rule 46
Simplified procedure
Rule 48
1. Following a first discussion of a proposal for a legislative
Own-initiative reports
act, the Chair may propose that it be approved without
1. A
committee
intending
to
draw
up
a
report
and
to
submit
amendment. Unless at least one tenth of the members of the
to Parliament a motion for a resolution on a subject within its
committee object, the Chair shall present to Parliament a report
competence on which neither a consultation nor a request for
approving the proposal. Rule 138(1), second subparagraph, (2)
an opinion has been referred to it under Rule 188(1) may do so
and (4) shall apply.
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
2. The
Chair
may
alternatively
propose
that
a
set
of by a Member pursuant to Rule 42(2), authorisation may be
amendments be drafted by the chair or by the rapporteur
withheld only if the conditions set out in Article 5 of the
reflecting the committee’s discussion. If the committee so
Statute for Members and in Article 225 of the Treaty on the
agrees, these amendments shall be sent to the members of
Functioning of the European Union are not met.
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
The Conference of Presidents takes a decision on requests for auth
deemed to have been adopted by the committee. In this case the
orisation to draw up reports submitted pursuant to paragraph 1 on the
draft legislative resolution and the amendments shall be
basis of implementing provisions which it itself lays down. If a
submitted to Parliament without debate pursuant to Rule
committee’s competence to draw up a report for which it has
138(1), second subparagraph, (2) and (4).
requested authorisation is challenged, the Conference of Presidents
takes a decision within 6 weeks on the basis of a recommendation
from the Conference of Committee Chairs, or, if no such recommen
3. If
at
least
one
tenth
of
the
committee’s
members
object, dation is forthcoming, from its Chair. If the Conference of Presidents
the amendments shall be put to the vote at the next meeting of
fails to take a decision within that period, the recommendation is
the committee.
declared to have been approved.

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2. Motions
for
resolutions
contained
in
own-initiative
reports communicated by the committee responsible to the
shall be examined by Parliament under the short presentation
committee(s) asked for an opinion. The committee responsible
procedure set out in Rule 139. Amendments to such motions
shall not reach its final conclusions before that time limit has
for resolutions shall only be admissible for consideration in
expired.
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
4. All adopted opinions shall be annexed to the report of the
resolutions in accordance with Rule 157(4). This paragraph
committee responsible.
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
5. Only
the
committee
responsible
may
table
amendments
in
Rule 41 or 42, or where the report can be considered a
plenary.
strategic report according to the criteria set out by the
Conference of Presidents ( 7 ).
6. The
Chair
and
rapporteur
of
the
committee
asked
for
an
opinion shall be invited to take part in an advisory capacity in
3. Where the subject of the report comes under the right of
meetings of the committee responsible, in so far as these relate
initiative referred to in Rule 41, authorisation may be withheld
to the matter of common concern.
only on the grounds that the conditions set out in the Treaties
are not met.
Rule 50
4. In
the
cases
referred
to
in
Rule
41
and
Rule
42,
the
Procedure with associated committees
Conference of Presidents shall take a decision within 2 months.
Where a question of competence is referred to the Conference
of Presidents pursuant to Rules 188(2) or 48, and the
Rule 49
Conference of Presidents, on the basis of Annex VII, considers
that the matter falls almost equally within the competence of
Opinions of committees
two or more committees, or that different parts of the matter
1. If
the
committee
to
which
a
matter
was
first
referred fall within the competence of two or more committees, Rule 49
wishes to hear the views of another committee, or if another
shall apply with the following additional provisions:
committee wishes to make known its views on the report of the
committee to which a matter was first referred, such
— the timetable shall be jointly agreed by the committees
committees may ask the President in accordance with Rule
concerned,
188(3), for one committee to be named as the committee
responsible and the other as the committee asked for an
opinion.
— the rapporteurs concerned shall keep each other informed
and shall endeavour to agree on the texts they propose to
2. In
the
case
of
documents
of
a
legislative
nature
within
the
their committees and on their position regarding
meaning of Rule 43(1), the opinion shall consist of
amendments,
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
— the Chairs and rapporteurs concerned shall jointly identify
and shall not be put to the vote. If necessary the committee
areas of the text falling within their exclusive or joint
asked for an opinion may submit a short written justification
competence and agree on the precise arrangements for
for the opinion taken as a whole.
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
In the case of non-legislative texts, the opinion shall consist of
Conference of Presidents, which may decide on the question
suggestions for parts of the motion for a resolution submitted
of the respective competences or decide that the procedure
by the committee responsible.
with joint committee meetings under Rule 51 is to apply;
the second subparagraph of Rule 188(2) shall apply mutatis
The committee responsible shall put these amendments or
mutandis,
suggestions to the vote.
— the committee responsible shall accept without a vote
The opinions shall deal solely with those matters that fall within
amendments from an associated committee where they
the areas of responsibility of the committee asked for an
concern matters which fall within the exclusive competence
opinion.
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
3. The
committee
responsible
shall
set
a
deadline
within
the former, the latter may table those amendments
which the committee asked for an opinion must deliver it if
directly in plenary,
it is to be taken into account by the committee responsible.
Any changes to the announced timetable shall be immediately
— in the event of a conciliation procedure taking place on the
( 7 ) See the relevant decision of the Conference of Presidents, reproduced
proposal, Parliament’s delegation shall include the
in Annex XVIII to these Rules of Procedure.
rapporteur of any associated committee.

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The wording of this Rule does not lay down any limits to its scope.
Rule 52
Requests for application of the procedure with associated committees
concerning non-legislative reports based on Rules 48(1) and 119(1)
Drafting of reports
and (2) are admissible.
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
For the purposes of examining international agreements under Rule
as adopted and any amendments proposed by the committee. If
90, the procedure with associated committees set out in this Rule may
it fails to do so, the chair of the committee may delete the
not be applied in relation to the consent procedure under Rule 81.
explanatory statement.
The Conference of Presidents’ decision to apply the procedure with
associated committees applies at all stages of the procedure in question.
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
The rights attaching to the status of ‘committee responsible’ are
report shall indicate how each member voted.
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
3. Where
the
committee’s
opinion
is
not
unanimous
the
and respect the right of the associated committee to determine the
report shall also give a summary of the minority opinion.
amendments submitted in plenary which fall within its exclusive
Minority opinions shall be expressed when the vote on the
competence.
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.
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.
The Chair shall settle any disputes which may arise as a result of
the application of these provisions.
Rule 51
Procedure with joint committee meetings
4. On a proposal from its bureau, a committee may set a
deadline within which the rapporteur must submit the draft
Where the conditions set out in Rule 49(1) and Rule 50 are
report. This deadline may be extended or a new rapporteur
fulfilled, the Conference of Presidents may, if it is satisfied that
appointed.
the matter is of major importance, decide that a procedure with
joint meetings of committees and a joint vote is to be applied.
In that event, the rapporteurs concerned shall draw up a single
draft report, which shall be examined and voted on by the
5. Once the deadline has expired, the committee may
committees involved at joint meetings held under the joint
instruct its Chair to ask for the matter referred to it to be
chairmanship of the committee Chairs concerned. The
placed on the agenda of one of the next sittings of Parliament.
committees involved may set up intercommittee working
The debates may then be conducted on the basis of an oral
groups to prepare the joint meetings and votes.
report by the committee concerned.
CHAPTER 3
First reading
Committee stage
Rule 54
Rule 53
Commission and Council position on amendments
Modification of a proposal for a legislative act
1. Before
the
committee
responsible
proceeds
to
the
final
vote on a proposal for a legislative act, it shall ask the
1. If
the
Commission
informs
Parliament
or
if
the
committee Commission to state its position on all the amendments to
responsible becomes otherwise aware that the Commission
the proposal adopted by the committee, and the Council to
intends to modify its proposal, the committee responsible
comment.
shall postpone its examination of the matter until it has
received the new proposal or the amendments of the
Commission.
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
2. If the Council substantially modifies the proposal for a
amendments adopted by the committee, then the committee
legislative act, the provisions of Rule 59 shall apply.
may postpone the final vote.

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3. If
appropriate,
the
position
of
the
Commission
shall
be least 40 Members, proceeds to vote on the draft legislative
included in the report.
resolution.
Plenary stage
In the event of referral back, the committee responsible shall
Rule 55
decide on the procedure to be followed and shall, orally or in
writing, report back to Parliament within a period decided by
Conclusion of first reading
Parliament which may not exceed 2 months.
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 45.
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
2. Parliament
shall
first
vote
on
the
amendments
to
the provided for in Rule 50, to make choices as to the amendments
proposal with which the report of the committee responsible
which fall within its exclusive competence, and in particular to
is concerned, then on the proposal, amended or otherwise, then
choose which amendments are to be resubmitted in plenary.
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
The time limit laid down in the second subparagraph of paragraph 3
any procedural requests.
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
The first reading is concluded if the draft legislative resolution is
procedure in question.
adopted. If Parliament does not adopt the legislative resolution,
the proposal shall be referred back to the committee
responsible.
4. If
the
committee
responsible
is
unable
to
meet
the
deadline, it shall request referral back to committee pursuant
to Rule 175(1). If necessary, Parliament may set a new time
All reports tabled under the legislative procedure should comply with
limit pursuant to Rule 175(5). If the committee’s request is not
Rules 37, 43 and 45. Any non-legislative motion for a resolution
accepted, Parliament shall proceed to the vote on the draft
tabled by a committee should be in accordance with the referral
legislative resolution.
procedures provided for in Rule 48 or 188.
3. The
text
of
the
proposal
as
approved
by
Parliament
and
Rule 57
the accompanying resolution shall be forwarded to the Council
Adoption of amendments to a Commission proposal
and the Commission by the President as Parliament’s position.
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
Rule 56
until the Commission has stated its position on each of
Rejection of a Commission proposal
Parliament’s amendments.
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
If the Commission is not in a position to make such a
been adopted, the President shall, before Parliament votes on
statement at the end of Parliament’s vote on its proposal, it
the draft legislative resolution, ask the Commission to withdraw
shall inform the President or the committee responsible as to
the proposal.
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
does
so,
the
President
shall
declare
the
procedure closed and shall inform the Council accordingly.
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,
3. If
the
Commission
does
not
withdraw
its
proposal, shall make a formal proposal to Parliament as to whether the
Parliament shall refer the matter back to the committee
vote on the draft legislative resolution should proceed. Before
responsible without voting on the draft legislative resolution,
submitting this proposal, the rapporteur or Chair of the
unless Parliament, on a proposal of the Chair or rapporteur
committee responsible may ask the President to suspend
of the committee responsible or of a political group or at
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If Parliament decides to postpone the vote, the matter shall be
3. At any stage of the follow-up procedure the committee
deemed to be referred back to the committee responsible for
responsible may, if it deems it necessary, table a motion for a
reconsideration.
resolution under this Rule recommending that Parliament:
In this case, the committee responsible shall, orally or in
— call upon the Commission to withdraw its proposal, or
writing, report to Parliament within a period decided by
Parliament which may not exceed 2 months.
— call upon the Commission or the Council to refer the matter
to Parliament once again pursuant to Rule 59, or upon the
If the committee responsible is unable to meet the deadline, the
Commission to present a new proposal, or
procedure provided for in Rule 56(4) shall be applied.
— decide to take such other action as it deems appropriate.
Only amendments tabled by the committee responsible and
seeking to reach a compromise with the Commission shall be
admissible at this stage.
This motion shall be placed on the draft agenda of the part-
session following the decision by the committee.
3. Application
of
paragraph
2
does
not
preclude
a
request
for referral being tabled by other Members pursuant to Rule
175.
Rule 59
Renewed referral to Parliament
A committee to which a matter has been referred back under
Ordinary legislative procedure
paragraph 2 is principally required under the terms of that referral
1. The
President
shall,
at
the
request
of
the
committee
to report within the deadline given and, where appropriate, to table
responsible, ask the Commission to refer its proposal again to
amendments seeking to reach a compromise with the Commission, but
Parliament in cases:
not to reconsider all the provisions approved by Parliament.
However, within these terms of reference, in view of the suspensory
— where the Commission withdraws its initial proposal after
effect of the referral, the committee enjoys a greater degree of freedom
Parliament has adopted its position, in order to replace it
and may, where necessary in the interests of the compromise, propose
with another text, except where this is done in order to take
reconsidering provisions which received a favourable vote in Parliament.
account of Parliament’s position, or
In such cases, in view of the fact that the only admissible amendments
— where the Commission substantially amends or intends to
from the committee are those seeking to reach a compromise, and with
amend its initial proposal, except where this is done in order
a view to preserving Parliament’s sovereignty, the report referred to in
to take account of Parliament’s position, or
paragraph 2 must clearly state which provisions already approved
would fall if the proposed amendments were adopted.
— where, through the passage of time or changes in circum
stances, the nature of the problem with which the proposal
Follow-up procedure
is concerned substantially changes, or
Rule 58
Follow-up to Parliament’s position
— where new elections to Parliament have taken place since it
1. In
the
period
following
the
adoption
by
Parliament
of
its
adopted its position, and the Conference of Presidents
position on a proposal by the Commission, the Chair and the
considers it desirable.
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
2. Parliament
shall,
at
the
request
of
the
committee
to Parliament concerning its position are properly observed.
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
2. The
committee
responsible
may
invite
the
Commission the proposal with the result that the ordinary legislative
and the Council to discuss the matter with it.
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Other procedures
4. The
President
shall
also
request
that
a
proposal
for
an
act
be referred again to Parliament in the circumstances defined in
3. At the request of the committee responsible, the President
this Rule where Parliament so decides on a proposal from a
shall call on the Council to reconsult Parliament in the same
political group or at least 40 Members.
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
Rule 60
originally delivered its opinion, except where this is done in
order to incorporate Parliament’s amendments.
Deleted
CHAPTER 4
Second reading
Committee stage
Rule 63
Rule 61
Referral to and procedure in the committee responsible
Communication of the Council’s position
1. On
the
day
of
its
communication
to
Parliament
pursuant
to Rule 61(1), the Council’s position shall be deemed to have
1. Communication
of
the
Council’s
position
pursuant
to been referred automatically to the committee responsible and to
Article 294 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
the committees asked for their opinion at first reading.
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
2. The Council’s position shall be entered as the first item on
the official languages of the European Union. The President’s
the agenda of the first meeting of the committee responsible
announcement shall be made during the part-session following
following the date of its communication. The Council may be
the receipt of such documents.
invited to present its position.
Before making the announcement, the President establishes, after
consulting the Chair of the committee responsible and/or the
3. Unless
otherwise
decided,
the
rapporteur
at
second
rapporteur, that the text received is indeed a Council’s first reading
reading shall be the same as at first reading.
position and that the circumstances described in Rule 59 do not apply.
Failing this, the President, together with the committee responsible
and, where possible, in agreement with the Council, seeks an appro
priate solution.
4. The provisions for Parliament’s second reading in Rule
66(2), (3) and (5) shall apply to the proceedings in the
committee responsible; only members or permanent substitutes
2. A
list
of
such
communications
shall
be
published
in
the of that committee may table proposals for rejection and
minutes of the sitting together with the name of the committee
amendments. The committee shall decide by a majority of the
responsible.
votes cast.
Rule 62
5. Before
voting,
the
committee
may
request
the
Chair
and
Extension of time limits
rapporteur to discuss amendments that have been tabled in the
1. The President shall, at the request of the Chair of the
committee with the President of the Council or the latter’s
committee responsible in the case of time limits for second
representative and with the Commissioner responsible present.
reading, or at the request of Parliament’s conciliation delegation
The rapporteur may table compromise amendments following
in the case of time limits for conciliation, extend the limits in
such discussion.
question in accordance with Article 294(14) of the Treaty on
the Functioning of the European Union.
6. The
committee
responsible
shall
submit
a
recommen
2. The
President
shall
notify
Parliament
of
any
extension
of dation for second reading proposing the approval,
time limits pursuant to Article 294(14) of the Treaty on the
amendment or rejection of the position adopted by the
Functioning of the European Union, whether on the initiative of
Council. The recommendation shall include a short justification
Parliament or of the Council.
for the decision proposed.

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Plenary stage
Rule 66
Rule 64
Amendments to the Council’s position
Conclusion of second reading
1. The
committee
responsible,
a
political
group
or
at
least
40
Members may table amendments to the Council’s position for
1. The
Council’s
position
and,
where
available,
the
recom
consideration in Parliament.
mendation 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
2. An
amendment
to
the
Council’s
position
shall
be
expiry of the period of 3 months or, if extended in accordance
admissible only if it complies with Rules 156 and 157 and
with Rule 62, of 4 months, unless the matter has been dealt
seeks:
with at an earlier part-session.
(a) to restore wholly or partly the position adopted by
The recommendations for second reading submitted by parliamentary
Parliament at its first reading; or
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.
(b) to reach a compromise between the Council and Parliament;
or
2. The second reading shall be concluded when Parliament
approves, rejects or amends the Council’s position within the
(c) to amend a part of the text of a Council’s position which
time limits and in accordance with the conditions laid down by
was not included in - or differs in content from - the
Article 294 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
proposal submitted at first reading and which does not
Union.
amount to a substantial change within the meaning of
Rule 59; or
Rule 65
Rejection of the Council’s position
(d) to take account of a new fact or legal situation which has
arisen since the first reading.
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.
The President’s discretion to declare an amendment admissible
Such a proposal shall require for adoption the votes of a
or inadmissible may not be questioned.
majority of the component Members of Parliament. A
proposal to reject the Council’s position shall be voted on
before voting on any amendments.
3. If
new
elections
have
taken
place
since
the
first
reading,
but Rule 59 has not been invoked, the President may decide to
waive the restrictions on admissibility laid down in paragraph 2.
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
4. An
amendment
shall
be
adopted
only
if
it
secures
the
for rejection after voting on the amendments and hearing a
votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament.
statement from the Commission pursuant to Rule 66(5).
5. Before voting on the amendments, the President may ask
3. If the Council’s position is rejected, the President shall
the Commission to state its position and the Council to
announce in Parliament that the legislative procedure is closed.
comment.
CHAPTER 5
Third reading
Conciliation
Rule 68
Rule 67
Delegation to the Conciliation Committee
Convening of the Conciliation Committee
1. Parliament’s
delegation
to
the
Conciliation
Committee
shall consist of a number of members equal to the number
Where the Council informs Parliament that it is unable to
of members of the Council delegation.
approve all Parliament’s amendments to the Council’s
position, the President shall, together with the Council, agree
to a time and place for a first meeting of the Conciliation
Committee. The 6-week or, if extended, 8-week deadline
2. The political composition of the delegation shall
provided for in Article 294(10) of the Treaty on the Func
correspond to the composition of Parliament by political
tioning of the European Union shall run from the day on
groups. The Conference of Presidents shall determine the
which the Committee first meets.
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3. The
members
of
the
delegation
shall
be
appointed
by
the
Plenary stage
political groups for each conciliation case, preferably from
among the members of the committees concerned, except for
Rule 69
three members who shall be appointed as permanent members
Joint text
of successive delegations for a period of 12 months. The three
permanent members shall be appointed by the political groups
1. Where
agreement
on
a
joint
text
is
reached
within
the
from among the Vice-Presidents and shall represent at least two
Conciliation Committee, the matter shall be placed on the
different political groups. The chair and the rapporteur of the
agenda of a sitting of Parliament to be held within 6 or, if
committee responsible in each case shall be members of the
extended, 8 weeks of the date of approval of the joint text by
delegation.
the Conciliation Committee.
4. The
political
groups
represented
on
the
delegation
shall
appoint substitutes.
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
5. Political
groups
and
non-attached
Members
not
repre
report.
sented on the delegation may each send one representative to
any internal preparatory meeting of the delegation.
3. No
amendments
may
be
tabled
to
the
joint
text.
6. The delegation shall be led by the President or by one of
the three permanent members.
4. The joint text as a whole shall be the subject of a single
7. The
delegation
shall
decide
by
a
majority
of
its
members. vote. The joint text shall be approved if it secures a majority of
Its deliberations shall not be public.
the votes cast.
The Conference of Presidents shall lay down further procedural
guidelines for the work of the delegation to the Conciliation
Committee.
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
8. The
results
of
the
conciliation
shall
be
reported
by
the Committee shall make a statement. This statement shall be
delegation to Parliament.
followed by a debate.
CHAPTER 6
Conclusion of the legislative procedure
Rule 70
Rule 71
Interinstitutional negotiations in legislative procedures
First-reading agreement
1. Negotiations
with
the
other
institutions
aimed
at
reaching Where, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the
an agreement in the course of a legislative procedure shall be
Functioning of the European Union, the Council has informed
conducted having regard to the Code of Conduct for negotiating
Parliament that it has approved Parliament’s position, the
in the context of the ordinary legislative procedure ( 8 ).
President, following finalisation in accordance with Rule 180,
shall announce in Parliament that the proposal has been
adopted in the wording which corresponds to the position of
Parliament.
2. Before
entering
into
such
negotiations,
the
committee
responsible should, in principle, take a decision by a majority
of its members and adopt a mandate, orientations or priorities.
Rule 72
Second-reading agreement
Where no motion to reject the Council’s position, and no
amendments to that position, are adopted under Rules 65
3. If the negotiations lead to a compromise with the Council
and 66 within the time limits set for tabling and voting on
following the adoption of the report by the committee, the
amendments or proposals to reject, the President shall
committee shall in any case be reconsulted before the vote in
announce in Parliament that the proposed act has been finally
plenary.
adopted. He shall, with the President of the Council, sign the
proposed act and arrange for its publication in the Official
( 8 ) See Annex XXI.
Journal of the European Union, in accordance with Rule 74.

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Rule 73
3. Acts
shall
be
divided
into
articles,
if
appropriate
grouped
into chapters and sections.
Requirements for the drafting of legislative acts
1. Acts adopted jointly by Parliament and the Council in
accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure shall
4. The last article of an act shall specify the date of entry
indicate the nature of the relevant act followed by the serial
into force, where that date is before or after the twentieth day
number, the date of its adoption and an indication of its
following publication.
subject-matter.
5. The
last
article
of
an
act
shall
be
followed
by:
2. Acts
adopted
jointly
by
Parliament
and
the
Council
shall
contain the following:
— the appropriate formulation, according to the relevant
provisions of the Treaties, as to its applicability;
(a) ‘The European Parliament and the Council of the European
Union’;
— ‘Done at …’, followed by the date on which the act was
adopted;
(b) a reference to the provisions under which the act is adopted,
preceded by the words ‘Having regard to’;
— ‘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.
(c) a citation containing a reference to proposals submitted,
opinions obtained and consultations held;
Rule 74
Signing of adopted acts
(d) a statement of the reasons on which the act is based,
introduced by the word ‘Whereas’;
After finalisation of the text adopted in accordance with Rule
180 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
(e) a phrase such as ‘have adopted this Regulation’ or ‘have
and the Secretary-General and shall be published in the Official
adopted this Directive’ or ‘have adopted this Decision’ or
Journal of the European Union by the Secretaries-General of
‘have decided as follows’, followed by the body of the act.
Parliament and of the Council.
CHAPTER 6a
Constitutional matters
Rule 74a
— if appropriate, an explanatory statement.
Ordinary Treaty revision
1. In accordance with Rules 41 and 48 the committee
responsible may submit to Parliament a report containing
3. If
the
European
Council
decides
to
convene
a
Convention,
proposals to the Council for amendment of the Treaties.
the representatives of Parliament shall be appointed by
Parliament upon a proposal by the Conference of Presidents.
2. Where
Parliament
is
consulted,
in
accordance
with
Article 48(3) of the Treaty on European Union, on a proposal
for a decision of the European Council in favour of examining
Parliament’s delegation shall elect its leader and its candidates
amendments to the Treaties, the matter shall be referred to the
for membership of any steering group or bureau set up by the
committee responsible. The committee shall draw up a report
Convention
comprising:
— a motion for a resolution which states whether Parliament
4. Where
the
European
Council
requests
Parliament’s
consent
approves or rejects the proposed decision and which may
in relation to a decision not to convene a Convention for the
contain proposals for the attention of the Convention or of
examination of proposed amendments of the Treaties, the
the conference of representatives of the governments of the
matter shall be referred to the committee responsible in
Member States;
accordance with Rule 81.

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Rule 74b
Rule 74d
Simplified Treaty revision
Withdrawal from the Union
1. In accordance with Rules 41 and 48 the committee
If a Member State decides, pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty
responsible may submit to Parliament, in accordance with the
on European Union, to withdraw from the Union, the matter
procedure laid down in Article 48(6) of the Treaty on European
shall be referred to the committee responsible. Rule 74c shall
Union, a report containing proposals to the European Council
apply mutatis mutandis. Parliament shall decide on consent to an
for revision of all or part of the provisions of Part Three of the
agreement on the withdrawal by a majority of the votes cast.
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Rule 74e
2. Where
Parliament
is
consulted,
in
accordance
with
Breach by a Member State of fundamental principles
Article 48(6) of the Treaty on European Union, on a proposal
1. Parliament may, on the basis of a specific report of the
for a decision of the European Council amending Part Three of
committee responsible drawn up in accordance with Rules 41
the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Rule
and 48:
74a(2) shall apply mutatis mutandis. In that event, the
motion for a resolution may contain proposals for amendments
only of provisions of Part Three of the Treaty on the Func
tioning of the 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;
Rule 74c
Accession treaties
(b) vote on a proposal calling on the Commission or the
Member States to submit a proposal pursuant to
1.
Any application by a European State to become a member
Article 7(2) of the Treaty on European Union;
of the European Union shall be referred for consideration to the
committee responsible.
(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. 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. 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
3. Throughout the negotiations the Commission and the
announced to Parliament and referred to the committee
Council shall inform the committee responsible regularly and
responsible in accordance with Rule 81. Except in urgent and
fully of their progress, if necessary on a confidential basis.
justified circumstances, Parliament shall take its decision on a
proposal from the committee responsible.
4. At
any
stage
of
the
negotiations
Parliament
may,
on
the 3. Decisions
under
paragraphs
1
and
2
shall
require
a
two-
basis of a report from the committee responsible, adopt recom
thirds majority of the votes cast, constituting a majority of
mendations and require these to be taken into account before
Parliament’s component Members.
the conclusion of a Treaty for the accession of an applicant
State to the European Union.
4. Subject
to
the
authorisation
of
the
Conference
of
Presidents, the committee responsible may submit an accom
panying motion for a resolution. That motion for a resolution
5. When
the
negotiations
are
completed,
but
before
any shall set out Parliament’s views on a serious breach by a
agreement is signed, the draft agreement shall be submitted to
Member State, on the appropriate sanctions and on varying
Parliament for consent in accordance with Rule 81.
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5. The
committee
responsible
shall
ensure
that
Parliament
is
Rule 74g
fully informed and, where necessary, asked for its views on all
follow-up measures to its consent as given pursuant to
Enhanced cooperation between Member States
paragraph 3. The Council shall be invited to outline devel
1. Requests
for
the
introduction
of
enhanced
cooperation
opments as appropriate. On a proposal from the committee
between Member States pursuant to Article 20 of the Treaty
responsible, drawn up with the authorisation of the Conference
on European Union shall be referred by the President to the
of Presidents, Parliament may adopt recommendations to the
committee responsible for consideration. Rules 37, 38, 39, 43,
Council.
53 to 59 and 81 shall apply as appropriate.
2. The
committee
responsible
shall
verify
compliance
with
Rule 74f
Article 20 of the Treaty on European Union and Articles 326
to 334 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Composition of Parliament
Union.
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 41, make a proposal to
3. Acts
subsequently
proposed
under
enhanced
cooperation,
modify its composition. The European Council’s draft decision
once it is established, shall be dealt with in Parliament under the
establishing the composition of Parliament shall be examined in
same procedures as when enhanced cooperation does not apply.
accordance with Rule 81.
Rule 43 shall apply.
CHAPTER 7
Budgetary procedures
Rule 75
3. If
other
committees
wish
to
deliver
opinions,
the
President
shall set the time limit within which these are to be
Multiannual financial framework
communicated to the committee responsible.
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 75b
Rule 81. Parliament’s consent shall require the votes of a
majority of its component Members.
Consideration of the draft budget - first stage
1. Subject to the conditions set out below, any Member may
table and speak in support of draft amendments to the draft
Rule 75a
budget.
Working documents
1. The
following
documents
shall
be
made
available
to
Members:
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
(a) the draft budget presented by the Commission;
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
(b) a summary by the Council of its deliberations on the draft
heading in question.
budget;
(c) the Council’s position on the draft budget drawn up
All draft amendments to the draft budget must be justified in
pursuant to Article 314(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning
writing.
of the European Union;
(d) any draft decision on the provisional twelfths pursuant to
3. The
President
shall
set
the
time
limit
for
the
tabling
of
Article 315 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the
draft amendments.
European Union.
2. Those
documents
shall
be
referred
to
the
committee 4. The
committee
responsible
shall
deliver
its
opinion
on
the
responsible. Any committee concerned may deliver an opinion.
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Draft amendments which have been rejected in the committee
order to facilitate the implementation of the procedures afore
responsible shall not be put to the vote in Parliament unless this
mentioned.
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.
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.
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.
Rule 75d
Budgetary conciliation
1. The
President
shall
convene
the
Conciliation
Committee
in
6. Notwithstanding
Rule
55(2),
Parliament
shall
take
separate accordance with Article 314(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning
and successive votes on:
of the European Union.
— each draft amendment,
2. The
delegation
representing
Parliament
at
meetings
of
the
Conciliation Committee in the budgetary procedure shall consist
— each section of the draft budget,
of a number of members equal to that of the Council
delegation.
— a motion for a resolution concerning the draft budget.
3. The
members
of
the
delegation
shall
be
appointed
by
the
political groups each year prior to Parliament’s vote on the
However, Rule 161(4) to (8) shall apply.
Council’s position, preferably from amongst the members of
the committee responsible for budgetary issues and other
committees concerned. The delegation shall be led by the
President of Parliament. The President may delegate this role
7. Articles,
chapters,
titles
and
sections
of
the
draft
budget
in to a Vice-President having experience in budgetary matters or
respect of which no draft amendments have been tabled shall be
to the Chair of the committee responsible for budgetary issues.
deemed adopted.
8. Draft
amendments
shall
require
for
adoption
the
votes
of 4. Rule 68(2), (4), (5), (7) and (8) shall apply.
a majority of the component Members of Parliament.
9. If Parliament has amended the draft budget, the draft
5. Where
agreement
on
a
joint
text
is
reached
within
the
budget thus amended shall be forwarded to the Council and
Conciliation Committee, the matter shall be placed on the
the Commission, together with the justifications.
agenda of a sitting of Parliament to be held within 14 days
from the date of that agreement. The joint text shall be made
available to all Members. Rule 69(2) and (3) shall apply.
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.
6. The
joint
text
as
a
whole
shall
be
subject
to
a
single
vote.
The vote shall be taken by a roll-call vote. The joint text shall be
Rule 75c
deemed to be approved unless it is rejected by a majority of the
component Members of the Parliament.
Financial trialogue
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,
7. If Parliament approves the joint text whilst the Council
under the budgetary procedures referred to in Title II of Part
rejects it, the committee responsible may table all or some of
Six of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Parliament’s amendments to the Council’s position for a confir
The President shall take all necessary steps to promote consul
mation in accordance with point (d) of Article 314(7) of the
tation and reconciliation of the positions of the institutions in
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

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The vote on the confirmation shall be placed on the agenda of a
attached to these Rules as an annex ( 9 ). This annex shall be
sitting of Parliament to be held within 14 days from the date of
adopted in accordance with Rule 212(2).
the communication by the Council of its rejection of the joint
text.
Rule 77
The amendments shall be deemed to be confirmed if they are
Other discharge procedures
approved by a majority of the component Members of
The provisions governing the procedure for granting discharge
Parliament and three fifths of the votes cast.
to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the
budget shall likewise apply to the procedure for granting
Rule 75e
discharge to:
Definitive adoption of the budget
— the President of the European Parliament in respect of the
Where the President is satisfied that the budget has been
implementation of the budget of the European Parliament,
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
— the persons responsible for the implementation of the
adopted. He shall arrange for its publication in the Official
budgets of other institutions and bodies of the European
Journal of the European Union.
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
Rule 75f
Committee and the Committee of the Regions,
Provisional twelfths system
1. Any
decision
by
the
Council
authorising
expenditure
in
— the Commission in respect of the implementation of the
excess of the provisional one twelfth for expenditure shall be
budget of the European Development Fund,
referred to the committee responsible.
— the bodies responsible for the budgetary management of
2. The
committee
responsible
may
table
a
draft
decision
to
legally independent entities which carry out Union tasks,
reduce the expenditure referred to in paragraph 1. Parliament
in so far as their activities are subject to legal provisions
shall decide on it within 30 days after the adoption of the
requiring discharge by the European Parliament.
Council’s decision.
Rule 78
3. Parliament
shall
act
by
a
majority
of
its
component
Members.
Parliamentary control over implementation of the budget
1. Parliament
shall
monitor
the
implementation
of
the
Rule 76
current year’s budget. It shall entrust this task to the committees
responsible for the budget and budgetary control and to the
Discharge to the Commission in respect of implementation
other committees concerned.
of the budget
The provisions concerning the procedures for implementing the
2. Each
year
it
shall
consider,
before
the
first
reading
of
the
decision on the granting of discharge to the Commission in
draft budget for the following financial year, the problems
respect of the implementation of the budget in accordance
involved in the implementation of the current budget, where
with the financial provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning
appropriate on the basis of a motion for a resolution tabled by
of the European Union and the Financial Regulation are
its committee responsible.
CHAPTER 8
Internal budgetary procedures
Rule 79
The committee responsible shall give its opinion on these
amendments.
Estimates of Parliament
1. The
Bureau
shall
draw
up
the
preliminary
draft
estimates 4. Parliament
shall
adopt
the
estimates.
on the basis of a report prepared by the Secretary-General.
5. The President shall forward the estimates to the
2. The
President
shall
forward
the
preliminary
draft
estimates Commission and the Council.
to the committee responsible, which shall draw up the draft
estimates and report to Parliament.
6. The
foregoing
provisions
shall
also
apply
to
estimates
for
amending budgets.
3. The President shall set a time limit for tabling
amendments to the draft estimates.
( 9 ) See Annex VI.

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Rule 79a
accordance with Rule 207(3), without prejudice to
decisions taken pursuant to Article 314 of the Treaty on
Procedure to be applied when drawing up Parliament’s
the Functioning of the European Union.
estimates
1. As
regards
Parliament’s
budget,
the
Bureau
and
the
committee responsible for budgetary issues shall take
3. As
regards
the
estimates
proper,
the
procedure
for
decisions in successive stages on:
drawing up the estimates will begin as soon as the Bureau
has taken a final decision on the establishment plan. The
stages of that procedure will be those laid down in Rule 79.
(a) the establishment plan;
A conciliation procedure shall be opened in cases where the
positions of the committee responsible for budgetary issues and
of the Bureau are widely divergent.
(b) the preliminary draft and the draft estimates.
Rule 80
2. The
decisions
concerning
the
establishment
plan
will
be
taken in accordance with the following procedure:
Power to incur and settle expenditure
1. The
President
shall
incur
and
settle,
or
cause
to
be
incurred and settled, the expenditure covered by the internal
(a) the Bureau shall draw up the establishment plan for each
financial regulations issued by the Bureau after consulting the
financial year;
appropriate committee.
(b) a conciliation procedure between the Bureau and the
committee responsible for budgetary issues shall be
2. The
President
shall
forward
the
draft
annual
accounts
to
opened in cases where the opinion of the latter diverges
the committee responsible.
from the initial decisions taken by the Bureau;
3. On the basis of a report by the committee responsible,
(c) at the end of the procedure, the Bureau shall take the final
Parliament shall approve its accounts and decide on the
decision on the estimates for the establishment plan, in
granting of a discharge.
CHAPTER 9
Consent procedure
Rule 81
2. In
the
case
of
accession
treaties
and
international
agreements and determination of a serious and persistent
Consent procedure
breach of common principles by a Member State, Rules 74c,
1. Where Parliament is asked to give its consent to a
74e and 90 shall apply respectively. For an enhanced coop
proposed act, it shall take a decision on the basis of a recom
eration procedure in an area covered by the ordinary legislative
mendation from the committee responsible to approve or reject
procedure, Rule 74g shall apply.
the act.
Parliament shall take a decision on the act requiring its consent
under the Treaty on European Union or the Treaty on the
3. Where
Parliament’s
consent
is
required
for
a
proposed
Functioning of the European Union by means of a single
legislative act or an envisaged international agreement, the
vote, and no amendments may be tabled. The majority
committee responsible may decide, in the interests of
required for the adoption of the consent shall be the majority
achieving a positive outcome of the procedure, to present an
indicated in the article of the Treaty on European Union or the
interim report on the proposal to Parliament including a
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union that
motion for a resolution containing recommendations for modi
constitutes the legal basis for the proposed act.
fication or implementation of the proposed act.
CHAPTER 10
Deleted
Rule 82
Deleted

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CHAPTER 11
Other procedures
Rule 83
2. When
the
Commission
announces
that
it
intends
to
enter
into a voluntary agreement, the committee responsible may
Procedure for delivering opinions pursuant to Article 140
table a motion for a resolution recommending approval or
of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
rejection of the proposal, and under what conditions.
1. When
Parliament
is
consulted
on
Council
recommen
dations pursuant to Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Func
tioning of the European Union, it shall, after the Council has
Rule 86
presented those recommendations in plenary, deliberate on the
basis of a proposal submitted orally or in writing by its
Codification
committee responsible and advocating approval or rejection of
1. When
a
proposal
for
codification
of
Union
legislation
is
the recommendations on which Parliament has been consulted.
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
level ( 10 ) in order to ascertain that it is a straightforward codifi
2. Parliament
shall
then
take
a
single
collective
vote
on
the cation, with no changes of a substantive nature.
recommendations, to which no amendments may be tabled.
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
Rule 84
opinion on the desirability of codification.
Procedures relating to dialogue between management and
labour
1. Any document drawn up by the Commission pursuant to
3. Amendments to the text of the proposal shall be inad
Article 154 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
missible.
Union or agreements reached by management and labour
pursuant to Article 155(1) of the Treaty, and any proposals
submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 155(2) of
However, at the rapporteur’s request, the Chair of the
the Treaty shall be referred by the President to the committee
committee responsible for legal affairs may submit for the
responsible for consideration.
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.
2. Where
management
and
labour
inform
the
Commission
of their wish to initiate the process provided for in Article 155
4. If
the
committee
responsible
for
legal
affairs
concludes
of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the
that the proposal does not entail any substantive change to
committee responsible may draw up a report on the substantive
Union legislation, it shall refer it to Parliament for approval.
issue in question.
If the committee takes the view that the proposal entails a
substantive change, it shall propose that Parliament reject the
3. Where management and labour have reached an proposal.
agreement and have requested jointly that the agreement be
implemented by a Council decision on a proposal from the
Commission pursuant to Article 155(2) of the Treaty on the
In either case, Parliament shall take a decision by means of a
Functioning of the European Union, the committee responsible
single vote, without amendment or debate.
shall table a motion for a resolution recommending the
adoption or rejection of the request.
Rule 87
Recasting
Rule 85
1. When
a
proposal
recasting
Union
legislation
is
submitted
Procedures for scrutiny of voluntary agreements
to Parliament, that proposal shall be referred to the committee
responsible for legal affairs and to the committee responsible
1. Where the Commission informs Parliament of its for the subject-matter.
intention to explore the use of voluntary agreements as an
alternative to legislation, the committee responsible may draw
( 10 ) Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994, Accelerated
up a report on the substantive issue in question pursuant to
working method for official codification of legislative texts, point
Rule 48.
4 (OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 2).

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2. The
committee
responsible
for
legal
affairs
shall
examine The provisions of Rule 88(1), (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis
the proposal in accordance with the arrangements agreed at
mutandis.
interinstitutional level ( 11 ) with a view to checking that it
entails no substantive changes other than those identified as
such in the proposal.
Rule 88
For the purpose of that examination, amendments to the text of
Implementing measures
the proposal shall be inadmissible. However, the second
subparagraph of Rule 86(3) shall apply to provisions which
1. When
the
Commission
forwards
a
draft
of
implementing
remain unchanged in the recasting proposal.
measures to Parliament, the President shall refer the draft of
measures to the committee responsible for the act from
which the implementing measures derive. If the procedure
3. If
the
committee
responsible
for
legal
affairs
considers
that with associated committees was applied with regard to the
the proposal does not entail any substantive changes other than
basic act, the committee responsible shall invite each of the
those identified as such in the proposal, it shall inform the
associated committees to state its views orally or by letter.
committee responsible.
In such a case, over and above the conditions laid down in
Rules 156 and 157, amendments shall be admissible within the
2. The
Chair
of
the
committee
responsible
shall
set
a
committee responsible for the subject-matter only if they
deadline for Members to propose that the committee object
concern those parts of the proposal which contain changes.
to the draft of measures. If the committee considers it to be
appropriate, it may decide to appoint a rapporteur from among
its members or permanent substitutes. If the committee objects
However, if in accordance with point 8 of the Interinstitutional
to the draft of measures, it shall table a motion for a resolution
Agreement the committee responsible intends also to submit
opposing the adoption of the draft of measures which may also
amendments to the codified parts of the proposal, it shall
indicate the changes that should be made to the draft of
immediately notify its intention to the Council and to the
measures.
Commission, and the latter should inform the committee,
prior to the vote pursuant to Rule 54, of its position on the
amendments and whether or not it intends to withdraw the
recast proposal.
If, within the applicable deadline calculated from the date of
receipt of the draft of measures, Parliament adopts such a
resolution the President shall ask the Commission to
4. If
the
committee
responsible
for
legal
affairs
considers
that withdraw or amend the draft of measures or submit a
the proposal entails substantive changes other than those which
proposal under the appropriate legislative procedure.
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.
3. If
there
is
no
part-session
before
the
deadline
expires,
the
right of response shall be deemed to have been delegated to the
In such a case the President shall ask the Commission to
committee responsible. This response shall take the form of a
withdraw the proposal. If the Commission does so, the
letter from the committee chair to the Member of the
President shall hold the procedure to be superfluous and shall
Commission responsible, and shall be brought to the
inform the Council accordingly. If the Commission does not
attention of all Members of Parliament.
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.
4. If the implementing measures envisaged by the
Commission fall under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny,
Rule 87a
paragraph 3 shall not apply and paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be
Delegated acts
supplemented as follows:
Where a legislative act delegates to the Commission the power
to supplement or amend certain non-essential elements of a
legislative act, the committee responsible:
(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 shorter time limits apply (Article 5a(5)(b)
— shall examine any draft delegated act where it is transmitted
of Council Decision 1999/468/EC laying down the
to Parliament for scrutiny,
procedures for the exercise of implementing powers
conferred on the Commission) and in cases of urgency
— may submit to Parliament in a motion for a resolution any
(Article 5a(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC), the time for
appropriate proposal in accordance with the provisions of
scrutiny shall, unless the Chair of the committee responsible
the legislative act.
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
( 11 ) Interinstitutional Agreement of 28 November 2001 on a more
structured use of the recasting technique for legal acts, point 9
in accordance with Decision 1999/468/EC. Rule 146 shall
(OJ C 77, 28.3.2002, p. 1).
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(b) Parliament, acting by a majority of its component Members,
(c) if the draft of measures is based on paragraph 5 or 6 of
may oppose the adoption of the draft of measures, justifying
Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC, which prescribes
its opposition by indicating that the draft of measures
curtailed time limits for opposition by Parliament, a
exceeds the implementing powers provided for in the
motion for a resolution opposing the adoption of the
basic instrument, is not compatible with the aim or the
draft of measures may be tabled by the Chair of the
content of the basic instrument or does not respect the
committee responsible if that committee has not been
principles of subsidiarity or proportionality;
able to meet in the time available.
TITLE IIA
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 12
International agreements
Rule 89
to start, the chosen legal basis for concluding the international
agreements referred to in paragraph 1. The committee
Deleted
responsible shall verify the chosen legal basis in accordance
with Rule 37. Where the Commission fails to designate a
Rule 90
legal basis, or where there is doubt about its appropriateness,
International agreements
Rule 37 shall apply.
1. When
it
is
intended
to
open
negotiations
on
the
conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international
4. At
any
stage
of
the
negotiations
Parliament
may,
on
the
agreement, the committee responsible may decide to draw up
basis of a report from the committee responsible, and after
a report or otherwise monitor the procedure and inform the
considering any relevant proposal tabled pursuant to Rule
Conference of Committee Chairs of that decision. Where appro
121, adopt recommendations and require them to be taken
priate, other committees may be asked for an opinion pursuant
into account before the conclusion of the international
to Rule 49(1). Rules 188(2), 50 or 51 shall apply where appro
agreement under consideration.
priate.
The Chairs and rapporteurs of the committee responsible and of
5. When the negotiations are completed, but before any
any associated committees shall jointly take appropriate action
agreement is signed, the draft agreement shall be submitted to
to ensure that Parliament is provided with immediate, regular
Parliament for its opinion or consent. In the case of the consent
and full information, if necessary on a confidential basis, at all
procedure Rule 81 shall apply.
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
6. Before the vote on the consent is taken, the committee
paragraph 3,
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
— by the Commission in accordance with its obligations under
agreement with the Treaties. If Parliament approves such a
the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and
proposal, the vote on the consent shall be adjourned until the
its commitments under the Framework Agreement on
Court has delivered its opinion.
relations between the European Parliament and the
European Commission, and
7. Parliament shall give its opinion on, or its consent to, the
conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international
— by the Council in accordance with its obligations under the
agreement or a financial protocol concluded by the European
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
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.
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
8. If the opinion adopted by Parliament is unfavourable, the
Parliament has stated its position on the proposed negotiating
President shall ask the Council not to conclude the agreement
mandate on the basis of a report from the committee
in question.
responsible.
9. If
Parliament
withholds
its
consent
to
an
international
3. The
committee
responsible
shall
ascertain
from
the agreement, the President shall inform the Council that the
Commission, at the time when the negotiations are scheduled
agreement in question cannot be concluded.

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Rule 91
Parliament and the Council of its intention to propose the
provisional application or suspension of an international
Procedures based on Article 218 of the Treaty on the
agreement, a statement shall be made in Parliament, followed
Functioning of the European Union in the case of the
by a debate. Parliament may issue recommendations pursuant
provisional application or suspension of international
to Rule 90 or 97.
agreements or the establishment of the Union’s position
in a body set up by an international agreement
Where the Commission, in accordance with its obligations
The same procedure shall apply when the Commission informs
under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
Parliament of a proposal concerning the positions to be adopted
and the Framework Agreement on relations between the
on the Union’s behalf in a body set up by an international
European Parliament and the European Commission, informs
agreement.
CHAPTER 13
External representation of the Union and the common foreign and security policy
Rule 92
Rule 94
Deleted
Deleted
Rule 95
Rule 93
International representation
Special representatives
1. When the head of a Union external delegation is to be
1. Where
the
Council
intends
to
appoint
a
special
represen
appointed, the nominee may be invited to appear before the
tative pursuant to Article 33 of the Treaty on European Union,
relevant body of Parliament to make a statement and answer
the President, at the request of the committee responsible, shall
questions.
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. Within
3
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. 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.
Rule 96
Consultation of, and provision of information to,
Parliament within the framework of the common foreign
and security policy
3. Within
3
months
of
the
hearing,
the
committee
may 1. When
Parliament
is
consulted
pursuant
to
Article
36
of
propose a recommendation pursuant to Rule 121 relating
the Treaty on European Union, the matter shall be referred to
directly to the statement made and answers provided.
the committee responsible which may make recommendations
pursuant to Rule 97.
4. The
special
representative
shall
be
invited
to
keep
Parliament fully and regularly informed as to the practical
2. The
committees
concerned
shall
seek
to
ensure
that
the
implementation of the mandate.
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
5. A
special
representative
appointed
by
the
Council
with
a other financial considerations relating to the implementation of
mandate in relation to particular policy issues may be invited by
actions under that policy. Exceptionally, at the request of the
Parliament, or may ask to be invited, to make a statement to the
Vice-President/High Representative, a committee may decide to
committee responsible.
hold its proceedings in camera.

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3. Twice a year, a debate shall be held on the consultative
The non-application of Rule 146 is possible only in committee and
document drawn up by the Vice-President/High Representative
only in urgent cases. There may be no departure from the provisions of
on the main aspects and basic choices of the common foreign
Rule 146 either in committee meetings not declared to be urgent or in
and security policy, including the common security and defence
plenary sitting.
policy and the financial implications for the Union budget. The
procedures laid down in Rule 110 shall apply.
The provision stating that oral amendments are admissible means that
(See also interpretation under Rule 121.)
Members may not object to oral amendments being put to the vote in
committee.
4. The
Vice-President/High
Representative
shall
be
invited
to
every plenary debate that involves either foreign, security or
defence policy.
4. Recommendations
drawn
up
in
this
way
shall
be
included
on the agenda for the next part-session. In urgent cases decided
Rule 97
upon by the President, recommendations may be included on
the agenda for a current part-session. Recommendations shall
Recommendations within the framework of the common
be deemed adopted unless, before the beginning of the part-
foreign and security policy
session, at least 40 Members submit a written objection, in
1. The
committee
responsible
for
the
common
foreign
and which case the committee’s recommendations shall be
security policy may draw up recommendations to the Council
included on the agenda of the same part-session for debate
in its areas of responsibility after obtaining authorisation from
and voting. A political group or at least 40 Members may
the Conference of Presidents or on a proposal under Rule 121.
table amendments.
2. In
urgent
cases
the
authorisation
referred
to
in
paragraph
1 may be granted by the President, who may likewise authorise
Rule 98
an emergency meeting of the committee concerned.
Breach of human rights
3. During
the
procedure
for
adopting
these
recommen
At each part-session, without requiring authorisation, the
dations, which must be put to the vote in the form of a
committees responsible may each table a motion for a
written text, Rule 146 shall not apply and oral amendments
resolution under the same procedure as laid down in Rule
shall be admissible.
97(4) concerning cases of breaches of human rights.
CHAPTER 14
Deleted
Rule 99
Rule 101
Deleted
Deleted
Rule 100
Deleted
CHAPTER 15
Deleted
Rule 102
Deleted
TITLE III
TRANSPARENCY OF BUSINESS
Rule 103
Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union and Article 42 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of
Transparency of Parliament’s activities
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,
2. Debates
in
Parliament
shall
be
public.

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3. Committees
shall
normally
meet
in
public.
They
may, The Bureau shall lay down rules to ensure that all Parliament
however, decide, at the latest when the agenda for a meeting
documents are registered.
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
3. Parliament shall establish a register of Parliament
camera, the committee may, subject to Article 4(1) to (4) of
documents. Legislative documents and certain other categories
Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and
of documents shall, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No
of the Council, open documents and minutes from the meeting
1049/2001, be made directly accessible through the register.
to public access. Rule 153 shall apply in the event of any
References to other Parliament documents shall as far as
breach of the rules governing confidentiality.
possible be included in the register.
4. Consideration
by
the
committee
responsible
of
requests
relating to procedures on immunity under Rule 7 shall always
Categories of documents which are directly accessible shall be
take place in camera.
set out in a list adopted by the Bureau and published on
Parliament’s website. This list shall not restrict the right of
Rule 104
access to documents not falling within the categories listed;
those documents shall be made available on written application.
Public access to documents
1. Any
citizen
of
the
Union
and
any
natural
or
legal
person The Bureau may adopt rules, in accordance with Regulation (EC)
residing or having its registered office in a Member State has a
No 1049/2001, laying down arrangements for access which
right of access to Parliament documents in accordance with
shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union, subject to the principles, conditions and limits laid down
4. The
Bureau
shall
designate
the
bodies
responsible
for
in Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament
handling initial applications (Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No
and of the Council and pursuant to the specific provisions
1049/2001) and shall adopt decisions on confirmatory appli
contained in these Rules of Procedure.
cations (Article 8 of the Regulation) and applications for
sensitive documents (Article 9 of the Regulation).
Access to Parliament documents shall as far as possible be
granted to other natural or legal persons in the same way.
5. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
designate
Parliament’s
representatives on the interinstitutional committee established
Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 shall be published for
pursuant to Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001.
information alongside the Rules of Procedure.
6. One
of
the
Vice-Presidents
shall
be
responsible
for
super
2. For
the
purposes
of
access
to
documents,
the
term vising the handling of applications for access to documents.
‘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
7. Parliament’s
committee
responsible
shall,
on
the
basis
of
within the meaning of Title I, Chapter 2, of these Rules, by
information provided by the Bureau and drawn from other
Parliament’s governing bodies, committees or interparliamentary
sources, prepare the annual report referred to in Article 17 of
delegations, or by Parliament’s Secretariat.
Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 and submit it to the plenary.
Documents drawn up by individual Members or political groups
The committee responsible shall also examine and evaluate the
are Parliament documents for the purposes of access to
reports adopted by the other institutions and agencies in
documents if they are tabled under the Rules of Procedure.
accordance with Article 17 of the Regulation.
TITLE IV
RELATIONS WITH OTHER BODIES
CHAPTER 1
Appointments
Rule 105
2. Parliament
shall
elect
the
President
of
the
Commission
by
a majority of its component Members.
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
The vote shall be taken by secret ballot.
candidate to make a statement and present his or her political
guidelines to Parliament. The statement shall be followed by a
debate.
3. If the candidate is elected, the President shall inform the
Council accordingly, asking it and the President-elect of the
The European Council shall be invited to take part in the
Commission to propose by common accord the nominees for
debate.
the various posts of Commissioners.

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4. If the candidate does not obtain the required majority, the
2. The motion shall be called ‘motion of censure’ and
President shall invite the European Council to propose a new
supported by reasons. It shall be forwarded to the Commission.
candidate within 1 month for election in accordance with the
same procedure.
3. The
President
shall
announce
to
Members
that
a
motion
of censure has been tabled immediately after receiving it.
Rule 106
Election of the Commission
4. The
debate
on
censure
shall
not
take
place
until
at
least
1. The
President
shall,
after
consulting
the
President-elect
of 24 hours after the receipt of a motion of censure is announced
the Commission, request the nominees proposed by the
to Members.
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 responsi
5. The vote on the motion shall be by roll call and shall not
bility. These hearings shall be held in public.
be taken until at least 48 hours after the beginning of the
debate.
2. The
appropriate
committee
or
committees
shall
invite
the
Commissioner-designate to make a statement and answer
6. The debate and the vote shall take place, at the latest,
questions. The hearings shall be organised in such a way as
during the part-session following the submission of the motion.
to enable Commissioners-designate to disclose to Parliament
all relevant information. Provisions relating to the organisation
7. The
motion
of
censure
shall
be
adopted
if
it
secures
a
of the hearings shall be laid down in an annex to these Rules of
two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority
Procedure ( 12 ).
of the component Members of Parliament. The President of the
Council and the President of the Commission shall be notified
3. The
President-elect
shall
present
the
college
of
Commis
of the result of the vote.
sioners and their programme at a sitting of Parliament which
the whole Council shall be invited to attend. The statement shall
be followed by a debate.
Rule 107a
Nomination of Judges and Advocates-General at the Court
4. In
order
to
wind
up
the
debate,
any
political
group
or
at
of Justice of the European Union
least 40 Members may table a motion for a resolution. Rule
On a proposal of its committee responsible, Parliament shall
110(3), (4) and (5) shall apply.
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
Following the vote on the motion for a resolution, Parliament
General Court.
shall elect or reject the Commission by a majority of the votes
cast.
Rule 108
The vote shall be taken by roll call.
Appointment of the Members of the Court of Auditors
1. Candidates
nominated
as
Members
of
the
Court
of
Parliament may defer the vote until the next sitting.
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
5. The President shall inform the Council of the election or
separately by secret ballot.
rejection of the Commission.
2. The
committee
responsible
shall
make
a
recommendation
6. In
the
event
of
a
substantial
portfolio
change
during
the to Parliament, in the form of a report containing a separate
Commission’s term of office, the filling of a vacancy or the
proposal for a decision on each nomination as to whether
appointment of a new Commissioner following the accession
the nomination should be approved.
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
3. The vote in plenary shall take place within 2 months of
paragraph 2.
receipt of the nomination unless Parliament, at the request of
the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40
Rule 107
Members, decides otherwise. Parliament shall vote on each
nomination separately by secret ballot and shall take its
Motion of censure on the Commission
decision by a majority of the votes cast.
1. A motion of censure on the Commission may be
submitted to the President by one tenth of the component
4. If the opinion adopted by Parliament on an individual
Members of Parliament.
nomination is unfavourable, the President shall ask the
Council to withdraw its nomination and to submit a new nomi
( 12 ) See Annex XVII.
nation to Parliament.

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Rule 109
3. The
vote
shall
take
place
within
2
months
of
receipt
of
the nomination unless Parliament, at the request of the
Appointment of the Members of the Executive Board of
committee responsible, a political group or at least 40
the European Central Bank
Members, decides otherwise.
1. The candidate nominated as President of the European
Central Bank shall be invited to make a statement before the
4. If the opinion adopted by Parliament is unfavourable, the
committee responsible and to answer questions put by
President shall ask the Council to withdraw its nomination and
members.
to submit a new nomination to Parliament.
2. The
committee
responsible
shall
make
a
recommendation 5. The same procedure shall apply for nominations for Vice-
to Parliament as to whether the nomination should be
President and other Executive Board Members of the European
approved.
Central Bank.
CHAPTER 2
Statements
Rule 110
a debate of at least 30 minutes in which Members may put brief
and concise questions.
Statements by the Commission, Council and European
Council
1. Members of the Commission, the Council and the
Rule 112
European Council may at any time ask the President of
Statements by the Court of Auditors
Parliament for permission to make a statement. The President
of the European Council shall make a statement after each of its
1. In
the
context
of
the
discharge
procedure
or
of
meetings. The President of Parliament shall decide when the
Parliament’s activities in the sphere of budgetary control, the
statement may be made and whether it is to be followed by
President of the Court of Auditors may be invited to take the
a full debate or by 30 minutes of brief and concise questions
floor in order to present the comments contained in the Annual
from Members.
Report, special reports or opinions of the Court, or in order to
explain the Court’s work programme.
2. When
placing
a
statement
with
debate
on
its
agenda,
Parliament shall decide whether or not to wind up the debate
2. Parliament
may
decide
to
hold
a
separate
debate
on
any
with a resolution. It shall not do so if a report on the same
questions raised in such statements with the participation of the
matter is scheduled for the same or the next part-session, unless
Commission and Council, in particular when irregularities in
the President, for exceptional reasons, proposes otherwise. If
financial management have been reported.
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.
Rule 113
Statements by the European Central Bank
3. Motions
for
resolutions
shall
be
put
to
the
vote
on
the
same day. The President shall decide on any exceptions. Expla
1. The
President
of
the
European
Central
Bank
shall
present
nations of vote shall be admissible.
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.
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.
2. This
presentation
shall
be
followed
by
a
general
debate.
5. After
a
resolution
has
been
adopted,
no
further
motions
3. The
President
of
the
European
Central
Bank
shall
be
may be put to the vote unless the President, exceptionally,
invited to attend meetings of the committee responsible at
decides otherwise.
least four times a year in order to make a statement and to
answer questions.
Rule 111
Statements explaining Commission decisions
4. If
they
or
Parliament
so
request,
the
President,
Vice-
President and other Members of the Executive Board of the
After consulting the Conference of Presidents, the President may
European Central Bank shall be invited to attend additional
invite the President of the Commission, the Commissioner
meetings.
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
5. A
verbatim
report
of
the
proceedings
under
paragraphs
3
the main decisions taken. The statement shall be followed by
and 4 shall be drawn up in the official languages.

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Rule 114
the Union shall be presented to the committee responsible
which shall submit a report to Parliament.
Recommendation on the broad guidelines of economic
policies
1. The recommendation from the Commission on the broad
2. The
Council
shall
be
invited
to
inform
Parliament
of
the
guidelines of the economic policies of the Member States and
content of its recommendation, and of the position taken by
the European Council.
CHAPTER 3
Parliamentary questions
Rule 115
3. Questions
shall
be
submitted
in
writing
to
the
President,
who shall rule on their admissibility and on the order in which
Questions for oral answer with debate
they are to be taken. The questioner shall be notified
1. Questions may be put to the Council or the Commission
immediately of this decision.
by a committee, a political group or at least 40 Members with a
request that they be placed on the agenda of Parliament.
4. The
detailed
procedure
shall
be
governed
by
guidelines
laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure ( 13 ).
Such questions shall be submitted in writing to the President
who shall immediately refer them to the Conference of
Presidents.
5. In accordance with guidelines established by the
Conference of Presidents, specific question hours may be held
with the President of the Commission, with the Vice-President
The Conference of Presidents shall decide whether and in what
of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for
order questions should be placed on the agenda. Questions not
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and with the President of
placed on Parliament’s agenda within 3 months of being
the Eurogroup.
submitted shall lapse.
Rule 117
2. Questions to the Commission must be referred to that
institution at least 1 week before the sitting on whose agenda
Questions for written answer
they are to appear and questions to the Council at least 3 weeks
1. Any
Member
may
put
questions
for
written
answer
to
the
before that date.
President of the European Council, the Council, the Commission
or the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of
3. Where
the
questions
concern
matters
referred
to
in the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in accordance
Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union, the time limit
with guidelines laid down in an annex to these Rules of
provided for in paragraph 2 of this Rule shall not apply, and
Procedure ( 14 ). The content of questions shall be the sole
the Council must reply sufficiently promptly to keep Parliament
responsibility of their authors.
properly informed.
2. Questions
shall
be
submitted
in
writing
to
the
President
4. One
of
the
questioners
may
move
the
question
for
5 who shall forward them to the addressees. Doubts concerning
minutes. One member of the institution concerned shall answer.
the admissibility of a question shall be settled by the President.
The questioner shall be notified of his decision.
The author of the question is entitled to use the whole period of
speaking time mentioned.
3. 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 116 shall
5. Rule
110(2)
to
(5)
shall
apply mutatis mutandis.
apply mutatis mutandis.
Rule 116
4. Questions
which
require
an
immediate
answer
but
not
detailed research (priority questions) shall be answered within
Question Time
3 weeks of being forwarded to the addressees. Each Member
1. Question
Time
with
the
Council
and
the
Commission may table one priority question each month.
shall be held at each part-session at times decided by Parliament
on a proposal from the Conference of Presidents.
Other questions (non-priority questions) shall be answered
within 6 weeks of being forwarded to the addressees.
2. No
Member
may
put
more
than
one
question
to
the
Council and one question to the Commission at any given
( 13 ) See Annex II.
part-session.
( 14 ) See Annex III.

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Members shall indicate which type of question they are
2. Such
questions
shall
be
submitted
in
writing
to
the
Chair
submitting. The final decision shall be taken by the President.
of the committee responsible, who shall forward them to the
European Central Bank.
5. Questions
and
answers
shall
be
published
in
the Official
Journal of the European Union.
3. The
questions
and
answers
shall
be
published
in
the
Rule 118
Official Journal of the European Union.
Questions for written answer to the European Central
Bank
4. If a question has not received a reply by the required
1. Any
Member
may
put
questions
for
written
answer
to
the deadline, it shall be included at the request of its author, on
European Central Bank in accordance with guidelines laid down
the agenda for the next meeting of the committee responsible
in an annex to these Rules of Procedure ( 15 ).
with the President of the European Central Bank.
CHAPTER 4
Reports of other institutions
Rule 119
Parliament shall be dealt with in a report submitted to the
plenary.
Annual and other reports of other institutions
1. Annual and other reports of other institutions on which
2.
Annual and other reports of other institutions not covered
the Treaties provide for consultation of the European Parliament
by paragraph 1 shall be referred to the committee responsible,
or other legal provisions require an opinion by the European
which may propose drawing up a report under Rule 48.
CHAPTER 5
Resolutions and recommendations
Rule 120
5. Opinions
in
the
form
of
a
letter
addressed
to
other
insti
tutions of the European Union shall be forwarded by the
Motions for resolutions
President.
1. Any Member may table a motion for a resolution on a
matter falling within the spheres of activity of the European
Union.
6. The author or authors of a motion for a resolution tabled
under Rule 110(2), 115(5) or 122(2) shall be entitled to
The motion may not comprise more than 200 words.
withdraw it before the final vote.
2. The
committee
responsible
shall
decide
what
procedure
is
to be adopted.
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
It may combine the motion for a resolution with other motions
accordance with paragraph 2, to draw up a report on it.
for resolutions or reports.
It may adopt an opinion, which may take the form of a letter.
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.
It may decide to draw up a report under Rule 48.
3. The
authors
of
a
motion
for
a
resolution
shall
be
8. A
withdrawn
motion
for
a
resolution
may
be
taken
over
informed of the decisions of the committee and of the
and retabled immediately by a group, a committee or the same
Conference of Presidents.
number of Members as is entitled to table it.
4. The report shall contain the text of the motion for a
resolution.
Committees have a duty to ensure that motions for resolutions tabled
under this Rule which meet the requirements laid down are followed up
( 15 ) See Annex III.
and duly referred to in the resulting documents.

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Rule 121
by the evening of the day on which the agenda is adopted. The
President shall set the precise deadline for tabling such motions
Recommendations to the Council
for resolutions.
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
3. The
total
speaking
time
for
the
political
groups
and
non-
agreement falling within the scope of Rules 90 or 91.
attached Members shall be allocated in accordance with the
procedure laid down in Rule 149(4) and (5) within the
maximum time for debates of 60 minutes per part-session.
2. Such
proposals
shall
be
referred
to
the
committee
responsible for consideration.
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
Where appropriate, the committee shall refer the matter to
Members.
Parliament in accordance with the procedures laid down in
these Rules.
4. At
the
end
of
the
debate
there
shall
be
an
immediate
vote.
Rule 170 shall not apply.
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.
Votes taken under this Rule may be organised on a collective basis
under the responsibility of the President and the Conference of
Presidents.
No prior authorisation from the Conference of Presidents is required for
the application of this paragraph.
5. If
two
or
more
motions
for
resolutions
are
tabled
on
the
same subject, the procedure set out in Rule 110(4) shall apply.
4. The
provisions
of
Rule
97
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.
Rule 122
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy
and the rule of law
The provisions of Rules 174, 175 and 177 do not apply to motions
1. A
committee,
an
interparliamentary
delegation,
a
political for resolutions included on the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches
group or at least 40 Members may ask the President in writing
of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
for a debate to be held on an urgent case of a breach of human
rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 137(3)).
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
2. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
draw
up
a
list
of with in the time allocated to the debate shall lapse. The same applies
subjects to be included in the final draft agenda for the next
to motions for resolutions in respect of which it is established,
debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and
following a request under Rule 155(3), that a quorum is not
the rule of law on the basis of the requests referred to in
present. Members are entitled to retable such motions either for
paragraph 1 and in accordance with the provisions of Annex
consideration in committee under Rule 120 or for the debate on
IV. The total number of subjects included in the agenda shall
cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law at
not exceed three, including sub-chapters.
the next part-session.
In accordance with Rule 140, Parliament may abandon a topic
A subject may not be included on the agenda for a debate on cases of
due to be debated and replace it with an unscheduled topic.
breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law if it is already
Motions for resolutions on the subjects chosen shall be tabled
on the agenda for that part-session.

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There are no provisions in the Rules to allow a joint debate on a
Rule 124
motion for a resolution tabled in accordance with paragraph 2, second
subparagraph, and a committee report on the same subject.
Consultation of the European Economic and Social
Committee
1. Where the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union provides for consultation of the European Economic
* * *
and Social Committee, the President shall initiate the consul
tation procedure and inform Parliament thereof.
When a request is made under Rule 155(3) that it be established
2. A
committee
may
request
that
the
European
Economic
whether a quorum is present, this request shall be valid only for the
and Social Committee be consulted on matters of a general
motion for a resolution which is to be put to the vote and not for
nature or on specific points.
those which follow.
The committee shall indicate the deadline for delivery by the
European Economic and Social Committee of its opinion.
Rule 123
Written declarations
A request for consultation of the European Economic and Social
1. Up
to
five
Members
may
submit
a
written
declaration
of Committee shall be approved by Parliament without debate.
not more than 200 words on a matter falling within the
competence of the European Union which does not cover
issues that are the subject of an ongoing legislative process.
3. Opinions
forwarded
by
the
European
Economic
and
Social
Authorisation shall be given by the President on a case-by-
Committee shall be referred to the committee responsible.
case basis. Written declarations shall be printed in the official
languages and distributed. They shall be entered with the names
of the signatories, in a register. This register shall be public and
Rule 125
shall be kept outside the entrance to the Chamber during part-
sessions and in an appropriate location, to be determined by the
Consultation of the Committee of the Regions
College of Quaestors, between part-sessions.
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.
The contents of a written declaration may not go beyond the form of a
declaration and may not, in particular, contain any decision on matters
for which specific procedures and competences are laid down in these
2. A
committee
may
request
that
the
Committee
of
the
Rules of Procedure.
Regions be consulted on matters of a general nature or on
specific points.
2. The
signature
of
any
Member
may
be
added
to
a The committee shall indicate the deadline for delivery by the
declaration entered in the register.
Committee of the Regions of its opinion.
A request for consultation of the Committee of the Regions
3. Where a declaration
is signed by a majority of shall be approved by Parliament without debate.
Parliament’s component Members, the President shall notify
Parliament accordingly and publish the names of the signatories
in the minutes and the declaration as a text adopted.
3. Opinions forwarded by the Committee of the Regions
shall be referred to the committee responsible.
4. The
procedure
shall
be
closed
by
the
forwarding
to
the
Rule 126
addressees, at the end of the part-session, of the declaration,
together with the names of the signatories.
Requests to European Agencies
1. In cases where Parliament has the right to submit a
request to a European Agency, any Member may submit such
a request in writing to the President of Parliament. Such
5. A
written
declaration
that
has
remained
in
the
register
for requests shall be on matters falling within the mission of the
over 3 months and has not been signed by at least one half of
Agency concerned and shall be accompanied by background
the component Members of Parliament shall lapse.
information explaining the issue and the Union interest.

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2. The
President
shall,
after
consulting
the
committee 3. If the Agency considers that it is unable to respond to the
responsible, either forward the request to the Agency or take
request as formulated, or seeks to have it modified, it shall
any other appropriate course of action. The Member submitting
forthwith inform the President, who shall take any appropriate
the request shall be notified immediately. Any request sent by
action, after consulting the committee responsible as necessary.
the President to an Agency shall include a time limit for
response.
CHAPTER 6
Interinstitutional agreements
Rule 127
and after approval by Parliament. They may be annexed to the
Rules of Procedure for information.
Interinstitutional agreements
1. Parliament
may
enter
into
agreements
with
other
insti
tutions in the context of the application of the Treaties or in
order to improve or clarify procedures.
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
Such agreements may take the form of joint declarations,
otherwise necessitate amendment or interpretation of the Rules
exchanges of letters, codes of conduct or other appropriate
of Procedure, the matter shall be referred to the committee
instruments. They shall be signed by the President after exam
responsible for its consideration in accordance with Rule
ination by the committee responsible for constitutional affairs
211(2) to (6) before the agreement is signed.
CHAPTER 7
Referrals to the Court of Justice of the European Union
Rule 128
4. The
President
shall
submit
observations
or
intervene
in
court proceedings on behalf of Parliament after consulting the
Proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European
committee responsible.
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
If the President intends to depart from the recommendation of
or legal persons, examine Union legislation and its imple
the committee responsible, he shall inform the committee
menting measures in order to ensure that the Treaties have
accordingly and shall refer the matter to the Conference of
been fully complied with, in particular where Parliament’s
Presidents, stating his reasons.
rights are concerned.
2. The
committee
responsible
shall
report
to
Parliament,
orally if necessary, if it suspects a breach of Union law.
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
3. The
President
shall
bring
an
action
on
behalf
of matter shall be submitted to plenary without delay.
Parliament in accordance with the recommendation of the
committee responsible.
At the start of the following part-session, the President may ask
In urgent cases, the President may take precautionary action in
the plenary to decide whether the action should be maintained.
order to comply with the time limits prescribed by the court
Should plenary rule against the action by a majority of the votes
concerned. In such cases, the procedure provided for in this
cast, he shall withdraw it.
paragraph shall be implemented at the earliest opportunity.
Should the President bring an action contrary to the recom
mendation of the committee responsible, he shall, at the start of
Nothing in the Rules prevents the committee responsible from deciding
the following part-session, ask the plenary to decide whether the
on appropriate procedural arrangements for the timely transmission of
action should be maintained.
its recommendation in urgent cases.

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Rule 90(6) of the Rules of Procedure lays down a specific procedure by
Union, and the act in question is not covered by Rule 128 of the
means of which Parliament can take a decision on whether to exercise
Rules of Procedure, the procedure provided for in this rule should
its prerogative, pursuant to Article 218(11) TFEU, to seek an opinion
apply, mutatis mutandis.
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
128 of the Rules of Procedure.
Rule 129
When a decision must be taken as to whether Parliament should
exercise its rights vis-à-vis the Court of Justice of the European
Deleted
TITLE V
RELATIONS WITH NATIONAL PARLIAMENTS
Rule 130
Rule 131
Exchange of information, contacts and reciprocal facilities
Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC)
1. Parliament
shall
keep
the
national
parliaments
of
the 1. On a proposal from the President, the Conference of
Member States regularly informed of its activities.
Presidents shall name the members of, and may confer a
mandate on, Parliament’s delegation to COSAC. The delegation
2. The organisation and promotion of effective and regular
shall be headed by a Vice-President of the European Parliament
interparliamentary cooperation within the Union, pursuant to
responsible for implementation of relations with the national
Article 9 of the Protocol on the role of national parliaments in
parliaments and by the Chair of the committee responsible for
the European Union, shall be negotiated on the basis of a
institutional matters.
mandate given by the Conference of Presidents, after consul
tation of the Conference of Committee Chairs.
2. The
other
members
of
the
delegation
shall
be
chosen
in
Parliament shall approve any agreements on such matters in
the light of the subjects to be discussed at the COSAC meeting
accordance with the procedure set out in Rule 127.
and shall comprise, as far as possible, representatives of the
3. A
committee
may
directly
engage
in
a
dialogue
with committees responsible for those subjects. A report shall be
national parliaments at committee level within the limits of
submitted by the delegation after each meeting.
budgetary appropriations set aside for this purpose. This may
include appropriate forms of pre-legislative and post-legislative
3. Due
account
shall
be
taken
of
the
overall
political
balance
cooperation.
within Parliament.
4. Any
document
concerning
a
legislative
procedure
at
Union level which is officially transmitted by a national
parliament to the European Parliament shall be forwarded to
Rule 132
the committee responsible for the subject-matter dealt with in
Conferences of parliaments
that document.
The Conference of Presidents shall designate the members of
5. The Conference of Presidents may give a mandate to the
Parliament’s delegation to any conference or similar body
President to negotiate facilities for the national parliaments of
involving representatives of parliaments and shall confer a
the Member States, on a reciprocal basis, and to propose any
mandate upon it that conforms to any relevant Parliament
other measures to facilitate contacts with the national
resolutions. The delegation shall elect its Chair and, where
parliaments.
appropriate, one or more Vice-Chairs.
TITLE VI
SESSIONS
CHAPTER 1
Sessions of Parliament
Rule 133
3. The
part-session
shall
be
the
meeting
of
Parliament
convened as a rule each month and subdivided into daily
Parliamentary term, sessions, part-sessions, sittings
sittings.
1. The
parliamentary
term
shall
run
concurrently
with
the
term of office of Members provided for in the Act of
20 September 1976.
2. The
session
shall
be
the
annual
period
prescribed
by
the Sittings of Parliament held on the same day shall be deemed to be a
Act and the Treaties.
single sitting.

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Rule 134
Rule 135
Convening of Parliament
Venue of sittings and meetings
1. Parliament
shall
meet,
without
requiring
to
be
convened, 1. Parliament shall hold its sittings and its committee
on the second Tuesday in March each year and shall itself
meetings in accordance with the provisions of the Treaties.
determine the duration of adjournments of the session.
Proposals for additional part-sessions in Brussels and any amendments
2. Parliament
shall
in
addition
meet,
without
requiring
to
be thereto will require only a majority of the votes cast.
convened on the first Tuesday after expiry of an interval of 1
month from the end of the period referred to in Article 10(1) of
the Act of 20 September 1976.
2. Any committee may decide to ask for one or more
meetings to be held elsewhere. Its request supported by
reasons, shall be made to the President, who shall place it
3. The
Conference
of
Presidents,
stating
its
reasons,
may
alter before the Bureau. If the matter is urgent, the President may
the duration of adjournments decided pursuant to paragraph 1
take the decision himself. Should the request be rejected by the
at least 2 weeks before the date previously fixed by Parliament
Bureau or the President the reasons for the rejection shall be
for resuming the session; the date of resumption shall not,
stated.
however, be postponed for more than 2 weeks.
Rule 136
4. Exceptionally, after consulting the Conference of
Attendance of Members at sittings
Presidents, the President shall convene Parliament at the
request of a majority of its component Members or at the
1. An
attendance
register
shall
be
open
for
signature
by
request of the Commission or the Council.
Members at each sitting.
Exceptionally, with the approval of the Conference of
2. The
names
of
the
Members
present,
as
shown
in
the
Presidents, the President may convene Parliament in cases of
attendance register, shall be recorded in the minutes of each
urgency.
sitting.
CHAPTER 2
Order of business of Parliament
Rule 137
Rule 138
Draft agenda
Procedure in plenary without amendment and debate
1. Before
each
part-session
the
draft
agenda
shall
be
drawn 1. Any
proposal
for
a
legislative
act
(first
reading)
and
any
up by the Conference of Presidents on the basis of recommen
non-legislative motion for a resolution adopted in committee
dations by the Conference of Committee Chairs taking into
with fewer than one tenth of the members of the committee
account the agreed Commission Work Programme referred to
voting against shall be placed on the draft agenda of Parliament
in Rule 35.
for vote without amendment.
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 item shall then be subject to a single vote unless, before the
drawing up of the final draft agenda, political groups or indi
vidual Members who together constitute one tenth of the
2. The
draft
agenda
may
indicate
voting
times
for
certain Members of Parliament have requested in writing that the
items down for consideration.
item be open to amendment, in which case the President
shall set a deadline for tabling amendments.
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
2. Items placed on the final draft agenda for vote without
law pursuant to Rule 122.
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
4. The
final
draft
agenda
shall
be
distributed
to
Members
at Presidents or at the request of a political group or at least 40
least 3 hours before the beginning of the part-session.
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3. When
drawing
up
the
final
draft
agenda
for
a
part-session, 2. The
request
shall
be
submitted
to
the
President
in
writing
the Conference of Presidents may propose that other items be
at least 3 hours prior to the start of the part-session at which
taken without amendment or without debate. When adopting
the extraordinary debate is to take place. The vote on this
its agenda, Parliament may not accept any such proposal if a
request shall be taken at the start of the part-session when
political group or at least 40 Members have tabled their
Parliament adopts its agenda.
opposition in writing at least 1 hour before the opening of
the part-session.
3. In
response
to
events
that
take
place
after
the
adoption
of
the agenda for a part-session, the President, after consulting the
4. When an item is taken without debate, the rapporteur or
Chairs of the political groups, may propose an extraordinary
the Chair of the committee responsible may make a statement
debate. Any such proposal shall be voted on at the start of a
lasting no more than 2 minutes immediately prior to the vote.
sitting or at a scheduled voting time, the Members having been
notified of it at least 1 hour beforehand.
Rule 139
4. The
President
shall
determine
the
time
at
which
such
a
Short presentation
debate is to be held. The overall duration of the debate shall not
At the request of the rapporteur or on a proposal from the
exceed 60 minutes. Speaking time shall be allocated to the
Conference of Presidents, Parliament may also decide that an
political groups and the non-attached Members in accordance
item not needing a full debate will be dealt with by means of a
with Rule 149(4) and (5).
short presentation in plenary by the rapporteur. In that event,
the Commission shall have the opportunity to respond,
followed by up to 10 minutes of debate in which the
5. The
debate
shall
be
wound
up
without
the
adoption
of
a
President may give the floor, for up to 1 minute each, to
resolution.
Members who catch his eye.
Rule 142
Rule 140
Urgent procedure
Adopting and amending the agenda
1. A request that a debate on a proposal on which
1. At
the
beginning
of
each
part-session,
Parliament
shall Parliament has been consulted pursuant to Rule 43(1) be
take a decision on the final draft agenda. Amendments may
treated as urgent may be made to Parliament by the President,
be proposed by a committee, a political group or at least 40
a committee, a political group, at least 40 Members, the
Members. Any such proposals must be received by the President
Commission or the Council. This request shall be made in
at least 1 hour before the opening of the part-session. The
writing and supported by reasons.
President may give the floor to the mover, one speaker in
favour and one speaker against, in each case for not more
than 1 minute.
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
2. Once
adopted,
the
agenda
may
not
be
amended,
except
in that during which the announcement was made, provided that
pursuance of Rules 142 or 174 to 178 or on a proposal from
the proposal to which the request relates has been distributed in
the President.
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.
If a procedural motion to amend the agenda is rejected, it may
not be tabled again during the same part-session.
3. Before the vote, only the mover, one speaker in favour,
one speaker against, and the Chair and/or rapporteur of the
3. Before closing the sitting, the President shall announce the
committee responsible may be heard, in each case for no
date, time and agenda of the next sitting.
more than 3 minutes.
Rule 141
4. Questions
to
be
dealt
with
by
urgent
procedure
shall
be
given priority over other items on the agenda. The President
Extraordinary debate
shall determine the time of the debate and vote.
1. A political group or at least 40 Members may request that
an extraordinary debate on a matter of major interest relating to
European Union policy be placed on Parliament’s agenda. As a
5. An
urgent
debate
may
be
held
without
a
report
or,
excep
rule, no more than one extraordinary debate shall be held
tionally, on the basis of an oral report by the committee
during each part-session.
responsible.

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Rule 143
Rule 144
Joint debate
Time limits
A decision may be taken at any time to debate similar or
Except in the cases of urgency referred to in Rules 122 and
factually related items of business jointly.
142, a debate and vote shall not be opened on a text unless it
has been distributed at least 24 hours earlier.
CHAPTER 3
General rules for the conduct of sittings
Rule 145
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
Access to the Chamber
the original text.
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
Rule 147
duties require their presence there, and experts or officials of
the European Union.
Transitional arrangement
1. During
a
transitional
period
expiring
at
the
end
of
the
seventh parliamentary term (
2. Only
holders
of
an
admission
card
duly
issued
by
the

16 ), derogations from Rule 146
shall be permissible if and to the extent that, despite adequate
President or Secretary-General of Parliament shall be admitted
precautions, interpreters or translators for an official language
to the galleries.
are not available in sufficient numbers.
3. Members of the public admitted to the galleries shall
remain seated and keep silent. Any person expressing
2. The
Bureau,
on
a
proposal
from
the
Secretary-General,
approval or disapproval shall immediately be ejected by the
shall ascertain with respect to each of the official languages
ushers.
concerned whether the conditions set out in paragraph 1 are
fulfilled, and shall review its decision at 6-monthly intervals on
the basis of a progress report from the Secretary-General. The
Rule 146
Bureau shall adopt the necessary implementing rules.
Languages
1. All
documents
of
Parliament
shall
be
drawn
up
in
the 3. The
temporary
special
arrangements
adopted
by
the
official languages.
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.
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
4. On
a
reasoned
recommendation
from
the
Bureau,
Bureau may consider necessary.
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.
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
Rule 148
committee or delegation.
Distribution of documents
Documents forming the basis for Parliament’s debates and
4. At
committee
and
delegation
meetings
away
from
the decisions shall be printed and distributed to Members. A list
usual places of work interpretation shall be provided from
of these documents shall be published in the minutes of
and into the languages of those members who have
Parliament’s sittings.
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.
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 consul
Where it has been established after the result of a vote has been
tation of any non-confidential preparatory document (draft
announced that there are discrepancies between different language
report, draft recommendation, draft opinion, working
versions, the President decides whether the result announced is valid
document, amendments tabled in committee).
pursuant to Rule 171(5). If he declares the result valid, he must decide
which version is to be regarded as having been adopted. However, the
( 16 ) Extended by Parliament’s decision of 11 March 2009.

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Rule 149
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
Allocation of speaking time and list of speakers
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.
9. No Member may speak for more than 1 minute on any of
the following: the minutes of the sitting, procedural motions, or
2. Members
may
not
speak
unless
called
upon
to
do
so
by amendments to the final draft agenda or the agenda.
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.
10. Without
prejudice
to
his
other
disciplinary
powers,
the
President may cause to be deleted from the verbatim reports of
3. The
President
may
draw
up,
for
the
first
part
of
a debates of sittings the speeches of Members who have not been
particular debate, a list of speakers that includes one or more
called upon to speak or who continue to speak beyond the time
rounds of speakers from each political group wishing to speak,
allotted to them.
in the order of their size, and one non-attached Member.
4. Speaking
time
for
this
part
of
a
debate
shall
be
allocated 11. In the debate on a report the Commission and the
in accordance with the following criteria:
Council shall as a rule be heard immediately after its presen
tation 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.
(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
12. Members
who
have
not
spoken
in
a
debate
may,
at
most
groups in proportion to the total number of their members;
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.
(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).
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
5. Where
a
total
speaking
time
is
allocated
for
several
items the President of the European Council on the appropriate allo
on the agenda, the political groups shall inform the President of
cation of speaking time for them.
the fraction of their speaking time to be used for each indi
vidual item. The President shall ensure that these speaking times
are respected.
Rule 150
6. The
remaining
part
of
the
time
for
a
debate
shall
not
be
One-minute speeches
specifically allocated in advance. Instead, the President shall call
For a period of not more than 30 minutes during the first
on Members to speak, as a general rule for no more than 1
sitting of each part-session the President shall call Members
minute. The President shall ensure – as far as possible – that
who wish to draw Parliament’s attention to a matter of
speakers holding different political views and from different
political importance. Speaking time for each Member shall not
Member States are heard in turn.
exceed 1 minute. The President may allow a further such period
later during the same part-session.
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
Rule 151
to speakers deputising for them.
Personal statements
1. Members
who
ask
to
make
a
personal
statement
shall
be
8. The President may give the floor to Members who
heard at the end of the discussion of the agenda item which is
indicate, by raising a blue card, their wish to put to another
being dealt with or when the minutes of the sitting to which
Member, during that Member’s speech, a question of no longer
the request for leave to speak refers are considered for approval.

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The Members concerned may not speak on substantive matters
2. Unless Parliament decides otherwise, no personal
but shall confine their observations to rebutting any remarks
statement shall last for more than 3 minutes.
that have been made about their person in the course of the
debate or opinions that have been attributed to them, or to
correcting observations that they themselves have made.
CHAPTER 4
Measures to be taken in the event of non-compliance with the standards of conduct of Members
Rule 152
he shall notify to the Member concerned and to the presiding
officers of the bodies, committees and delegations on which the
Immediate measures
Member serves, before announcing it to plenary.
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 9.
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
2. Should the offence be repeated, the President shall again
Rules of Procedure ( 17 ).
call the Member to order, and the fact shall be recorded in the
minutes.
3. The penalty may consist of one or more of the following
measures:
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
(a) a reprimand;
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
(b) forfeiture of entitlement to the daily subsistence allowance
carried out, with the assistance of the ushers and, if necessary,
for a period of between 2 and 10 days;
of Parliament’s Security Service.
(c) without prejudice to the right to vote in plenary, and
4. Should
disturbances
threaten
to
obstruct
the
business
of
subject, in this instance, to strict compliance with the
the House, the President shall close or suspend the sitting for a
Members’ standards of conduct, temporary suspension
specific period to restore order. If the President cannot make
from participation in all or some of the activities of
himself heard, he shall leave the chair; this shall have the effect
Parliament for a period of between 2 and 10 consecutive
of suspending the sitting. The President shall reconvene the
days on which Parliament or any of its bodies, committees
sitting.
or delegations meet;
5. The
powers
provided
for
in
paragraphs
1
to
4
shall
be
(d) submission to the Conference of Presidents, in accordance
vested, mutatis mutandis, in the presiding officers of bodies,
with Rule 19, of a proposal for the Member’s suspension or
committees and delegations as provided for in the Rules of
removal from one or more of the elected offices held by the
Procedure.
Member in Parliament.
6. Where
appropriate,
and
bearing
in
mind
the
seriousness
Rule 154
of the breach of the Members’ standards of conduct, the
Member in the Chair may, no later than the following part-
Internal appeal procedures
session or the following meeting of the body, committee or
The Member concerned may lodge an internal appeal with the
delegation concerned, ask the President to apply Rule 153.
Bureau within 2 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,
Rule 153
not later than 4 weeks after the lodging of the appeal, annul,
confirm or reduce the penalty imposed, without prejudice to the
Penalties
external rights of appeal open to the Member concerned.
1. In
exceptionally
serious
cases
of
disorder
or
disruption
of Should the Bureau fail to take a decision within the time
Parliament in violation of the principles laid down in Rule 9,
limit laid down, the penalty shall be declared null and void.
the President, after hearing the Member concerned, shall adopt a
reasoned decision laying down the appropriate penalty, which
( 17 ) See Annex XVI.

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CHAPTER 5
Quorum and voting
Rule 155
Amendments shall be tabled in writing and signed by their
authors.
Quorum
1. Parliament
may
deliberate,
settle
its
agenda
and
approve
the minutes, whatever the number of Members present.
Amendments to documents of a legislative nature within the
meaning of Rule 43(1) may be accompanied by a short justifi
cation. Such justifications shall be the responsibility of the
2. A
quorum
shall
exist
when
one
third
of
the
component author and shall not be put to the vote.
Members of Parliament are present in the Chamber.
2. Subject
to
the
limitations
laid
down
in
Rule
157,
an
3. All
votes
shall
be
valid
whatever
the
number
of
voters amendment may seek to change any part of a text, and may
unless the President, on a request made before voting has
be directed to deleting, adding or replacing words or figures.
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
In this Rule and Rule 157 the term ‘text’ means the whole of a
agenda for the next sitting.
motion for a resolution/draft legislative resolution, of a proposal for
a decision or of a proposal for a legislative act.
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
3. The
President
shall
set
a
deadline
for
the
tabling
of
admissible.
amendments.
When establishing the result of the vote, account must be taken, in
4. An
amendment
may
be
moved
during
the
debate
by
its
accordance with paragraph 2, of all the Members present in the
author or by any other Member appointed by the author to
Chamber and, in accordance with paragraph 4, of all the Members
replace him or her.
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.
5. Where
an
amendment
is
withdrawn
by
its
author,
it
shall
fall unless immediately taken over by another Member.
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
6. Amendments
shall
be
put
to
the
vote
only
after
they
have
shall declare that the quorum is not present.
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
The last sentence of paragraph 3 shall not apply to votes on procedural
a particular language at an unacceptable disadvantage.
motions but only to votes on the subject-matter itself.
Where fewer than 100 Members are present, Parliament may
4. Members
who
have
asked
for
the
quorum
to
be
estab
not decide otherwise if at least one tenth of the Members
lished shall be counted as being present within the meaning of
present object.
paragraph 2, even if they are no longer in the Chamber.
Oral amendments tabled in committee may be put to the vote unless
Members who have asked for the quorum to be established must be
one of the committee’s members objects.
present in the Chamber when the request is made.
Rule 157
5. If
fewer
than
40
Members
are
present,
the
President
may
rule that there is no quorum.
Admissibility of amendments
1. No
amendment
shall
be
admissible
if:
Rule 156
Tabling and moving amendments
(a) it does not directly relate to the text which it seeks to
amend;
1. Amendments
for
consideration
in
Parliament
may
be
tabled by the committee responsible, a political group or at
least 40 Members.
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(c) it seeks to amend more than one of the individual articles
(d) finally, voting on the motion for a resolution/draft legis
or paragraphs of the text to which it relates. This provision
lative resolution as a whole (final vote).
shall not apply to compromise amendments nor to
amendments which seek to make identical changes to a
particular form of words throughout the text;
Parliament shall not vote on the explanatory statement
contained in the report.
(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
2. The
following
procedure
shall
apply
to
second
readings:
case, the President shall seek out a suitable linguistic
remedy together with those concerned.
(a) where no proposal to reject or amend the Council’s position
has been tabled, it shall be deemed to have been approved
2. An
amendment
shall
fall
if
it
is
inconsistent
with
decisions
in accordance with Rule 72;
previously taken on the text during the same vote.
(b) a proposal to reject the Council’s position shall be voted
3. The
President
shall
decide
whether
amendments
are
upon before voting on any amendments (see Rule 65(1));
admissible.
(c) where several amendments to the Council’s position have
The President’s decision under paragraph 3 concerning the admissi
been tabled they shall be put to the vote in the order set out
bility of amendments is not based exclusively on the provisions of
in Rule 161;
paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Rule but on the provisions of the Rules
in general.
(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
4. A
political
group
or
at
least
40
members
may
table
an
may only be taken in accordance with Rule 65(2).
alternative motion for a resolution seeking to replace a non-
legislative motion for a resolution contained in a committee
report.
3. The procedure set out in Rule 69 shall apply to third
readings.
In such a case, the group or the Members concerned may not
table amendments to the motion for a resolution by the
4. In voting on legislative texts and on non-legislative
committee responsible. The alternative motion for a resolution
motions for resolutions, votes relating to substantive parts
may not be longer than the committee’s motion for a
shall be taken first, followed by votes relating to citations and
resolution. It shall be put to a single vote in Parliament
recitals. Amendments shall fall if they are inconsistent with a
without amendment.
prior vote.
Rule 110(4) shall apply mutatis mutandis.
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
Rule 158
amendments put to the vote.
Voting procedure
1. The
following
voting
procedure
shall
apply
to
reports:
Rule 159
Tied votes
(a) first, voting on any amendments to the text with which the
1. In
the
event
of
a
tied
vote
under
Rule
158(1)(b)
or
(d),
the
report of the committee responsible is concerned;
text as a whole shall be referred back to committee. This shall
also apply to votes under Rules 3 and 7 and to final votes
under Rules 186 and 198, on the understanding that, in the
case of these two Rules, the matter is referred back to the
(b) second, voting on that text as a whole, amended or
Conference of Presidents.
otherwise;
2. In the event of a tied vote on the agenda as a whole (Rule
(c) third, voting on amendments to the motion for a
140) or the minutes as a whole (Rule 179), or on a text put to
resolution/draft legislative resolution;
a split vote under Rule 163, the text shall be deemed adopted.

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3. In
all
other
cases
where
there
is
a
tied
vote,
without If either of these secures a majority, all other amendments
prejudice to those Rules which require qualified majorities, the
tabled to the same text shall fall.
text or proposal shall be deemed rejected.
4. Exceptionally, on a proposal from the President,
Rule 160
amendments tabled after the close of the debate may be put
to the vote if they are compromise amendments, or if there are
Principles governing voting
technical problems. The President shall obtain the agreement of
1. Voting
on
a
report
shall
take
place
on
the
basis
of
a Parliament to putting such amendments to the vote.
recommendation from the committee responsible. The
committee may delegate this task to its Chair and rapporteur.
Under Rule 157(3), the President decides whether amendments are
admissible. In the case of compromise amendments tabled after the
2. The
committee
may
recommend
that
all
or
several close of a debate, under this paragraph, the President decides on their
amendments be put to the vote collectively, that they be
admissibility on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the compromise
accepted or rejected or declared void.
nature of the amendments.
It may also propose compromise amendments.
The following general criteria for admissibility may be applied:
3. Where
the
committee
recommends
that
amendments
be
— as a general rule, compromise amendments may not relate to parts
put to the vote collectively, the collective vote on these
of the text which have not been the subject of amendments prior to
amendments shall be taken first.
the deadline for tabling amendments,
4. Where the committee proposes a compromise — as a general rule, compromise amendments may only be tabled by
amendment, that compromise amendment shall be given
political groups, the Chairs or rapporteurs of the committees
priority in voting.
concerned or the authors of other amendments,
5. Amendments
for
which
a
roll-call
vote
has
been
requested — as a general rule, compromise amendments entail the withdrawal
shall be put to the vote individually.
of other amendments to the same passage.
6. A
split
vote
shall
not
be
admissible
in
the
case
of
a Only the President may propose that a compromise amendment be
collective vote or a vote on a compromise amendment.
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
Rule 161
objection is raised, Parliament decides on the matter by a majority
of the votes cast.
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.
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
2. If
two
or
more
mutually
exclusive
amendments
have
been political group or at least 40 Members have requested separate
tabled to the same part of a text, the amendment that departs
votes or unless other amendments have been tabled.
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
6. The
President
may
put
other
amendments
to
the
vote
priority shall be put to the vote and similarly for each of the
collectively where they are complementary. In such cases he
remaining amendments. Where there is doubt as to priority, the
shall follow the procedure laid down in paragraph 5. Authors
President shall decide. If all amendments are rejected, the
of such amendments may propose such collective votes where
original text shall be deemed adopted unless a separate vote
their amendments are complementary.
has been requested within the specified deadline.
7. The
President
may
decide,
following
the
adoption
or
3.
The President may put the original text to the vote first, or
rejection of a particular amendment, that several other
put an amendment that is closer to the original text to the vote
amendments of similar content or with similar objectives shall
before the amendment that departs furthest from the original
be put to the vote collectively. The President may seek the
text.
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Such a set of amendments may relate to different parts of the
3. The
result
of
the
vote
shall
be
recorded.
original text.
Rule 166
8. Where
two
or
more
identical
amendments
are
tabled
by
different authors, they shall be put to the vote as one.
Final vote
When voting on any proposal for a legislative act, whether by
way of a single and/or final vote, Parliament shall vote by roll
Rule 162
call using the electronic voting system.
Committee consideration of plenary amendments
When more than 50 amendments and requests for a split or
Rule 167
separate vote have been tabled to a report for consideration in
Parliament, the President may, after consulting its Chair, ask the
Voting by roll call
committee responsible to meet to consider those amendments
1. In
addition
to
the
cases
provided
for
under
Rules
106(4),
or requests. Any amendment or request for a split or separate
107(5) and 166, the vote shall be taken by roll call if this is
vote not receiving favourable votes at this stage from at least
requested in writing by a political group or at least 40 Members
one tenth of the members of the committee shall not be put to
the evening before the vote unless the President sets a different
the vote in Parliament.
deadline.
Rule 163
2. The
roll
call
vote
shall
be
taken
using
the
electronic
voting
Split voting
system. Where the latter cannot be used for technical reasons,
the roll shall be called in alphabetical order, beginning with the
1. Where the text to be put to the vote contains two or
name of a Member drawn by lot. The President shall be the last
more provisions or references to two or more points or lends
to be called to vote.
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.
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
2. The request shall be made the evening before the vote,
cast for and against. The President shall establish the result of
unless the President sets a different deadline. The President shall
the vote and announce it.
decide on the request.
Votes shall be recorded in the minutes of the sitting by political
Rule 164
group in the alphabetical order of Members’ names, with an
Right to vote
indication of how they voted.
The right to vote is a personal right.
Rule 168
Members shall cast their votes individually and in person.
Electronic voting
1. The
President
may
at
any
time
decide
that
the
voting
operations indicated in Rules 165, 167 and 169 will be
carried out by means of the electronic voting system.
Any infringement of this Rule is considered as a serious case of
disorder as referred to in Rule 153(1) and will have the legal conse
quences mentioned in that Rule.
Where the electronic voting system cannot be used for technical
reasons, voting shall take place in accordance with Rules 165,
167(2) or 169.
Rule 165
Voting
1. As
a
general
rule
Parliament
shall
vote
by
show
of
hands.
The technical arrangements for using the electronic voting
system shall be governed by instructions from the Bureau.
2. If the President decides that the result is doubtful, a fresh
vote shall be taken using the electronic voting system and, if the
2. Where
an
electronic
vote
is
taken,
only
the
numerical
latter is not working, by sitting and standing.
result of the vote shall be recorded.

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However, if a vote by roll call has been requested in accordance
than 1 minute or give a written explanation of no more than
with Rule 167(1), the votes shall be recorded in the minutes of
200 words, which shall be included in the verbatim report of
the sitting by political group in the alphabetical order of
proceedings.
Members’ names.
Any political group may give an explanation of vote lasting not
3. The vote by roll call shall be taken in accordance with
more than 2 minutes.
Rule 167(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.
No further requests to give explanations of vote shall be
accepted once the first explanation of vote has begun.
Rule 169
Voting by secret ballot
Explanations of vote are admissible on the final vote on any subject
1. In
the
case
of
appointments,
voting
shall
be
by
secret submitted to Parliament. For the purposes of this Rule the term ‘final
ballot without prejudice to Rules 13(1), 186(1) and 191(2),
vote’ does not refer to the type of vote, but means the last vote on any
second subparagraph.
item.
Only ballot papers bearing the names of Members who have
2. Explanations
of
vote
shall
not
be
admissible
in
the
case
of
been nominated shall be taken into account in calculating the
votes on procedural matters.
number of votes cast.
3. Where a proposal for a legislative act or a report has been
2. Voting
may
also
be
by
secret
ballot
if
this
is
requested
by included on the agenda of Parliament pursuant to Rule 138,
at least one fifth of the component Members of Parliament.
Members may submit written explanations of vote in
Such requests must be made before voting begins.
accordance with paragraph 1.
When a request for a secret ballot is submitted by at least one fifth of
Explanations of vote given either orally or in writing must have a
the component Members of Parliament before voting begins,
direct bearing on the text being put to the vote.
Parliament must hold such a vote.
3. A
request
for
a
secret
ballot
shall
take
priority
over
a
Rule 171
request for a vote by roll call.
Disputes on voting
1. The President shall declare votes open and closed.
4.
Between two and eight Members chosen by lot shall count
the votes cast in a secret ballot, unless an electronic vote is
taken.
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.
In the case of votes under paragraph 1, candidates shall not act
as tellers.
3. Points of order concerning the validity of a vote may be
raised after the President has declared it closed.
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.
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.
Rule 170
Explanations of vote
1. Once
the
general
debate
has
been
concluded,
any
Member 5. The
President
shall
decide
whether
the
result
announced
is
may give an oral explanation on the final vote for not longer
valid. The decision shall be final.

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CHAPTER 6
Interruptive and procedural motions
Rule 172
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.
Procedural motions
1. Requests
to
move
a
procedural
motion,
namely:
Rule 174
(a) the inadmissibility of a matter (Rule 174);
Moving the inadmissibility of a matter
1. At the beginning of the debate on a specific item on the
(b) referral back to committee (Rule 175);
agenda, its inadmissibility may be moved. Such a motion shall
be put to the vote immediately.
(c) the closure of a debate (Rule 176);
The intention to move inadmissibility shall be notified at least
24 hours in advance to the President who shall inform
(d) the adjournment of a debate and vote (Rule 177); or
Parliament immediately.
(e) the suspension or closure of the sitting (Rule 178),
2. If
the
motion
is
carried,
Parliament
shall
immediately
proceed to the next item on the agenda.
shall take precedence over other requests to speak.
Rule 175
Only the following shall be heard on these motions in addition
to the mover: one speaker in favour and one against and the
Referral back to committee
Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible.
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.
2. Speaking
time
shall
not
exceed
1
minute.
Rule 173
The intention to move referral back to committee shall be
notified at least 24 hours in advance to the President, who
Points of order
shall inform Parliament immediately.
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
2. Referral back to committee may also be requested by a
which Rule they are referring.
political group or at least 40 Members before or during a vote.
Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately.
2. A request to raise a point of order shall take precedence
over all other requests to speak.
3. A
request
may
be
made
only
once
at
each
of
these
procedural stages.
3. Speaking
time
shall
not
exceed
1
minute.
4. Referral
back
to
committee
shall
entail
suspension
of
the
4. The
President
shall
take
an
immediate
decision
on
points discussion of the item.
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. Parliament
may
set
a
time
limit
within
which
the
committee must report its conclusions.
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
Rule 176
ruling shall not entail the adjournment of the debate. The
Closure of a debate
President may refer the matter to the committee responsible.
1. A debate may be closed before the list of speakers has
been exhausted on a proposal from the President or at the
A request to raise a point of order must relate to the agenda item
request of a political group or at least 40 Members. Such a
under discussion. The President may take a point of order concerning a
proposal or request shall be put to the vote immediately.

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2. If
the
proposal
or
request
is
carried,
one
Member
only 2. If the motion is carried, Parliament shall proceed to the
may speak from each political group which has not yet
next item on the agenda. The adjourned debate shall be
provided a speaker in that debate.
resumed at the specified date and time.
3. After the speeches referred to in paragraph 2, the debate
3. If
the
motion
is
rejected,
it
may
not
be
tabled
again
during
shall be closed and Parliament shall vote on the matter under
the same part-session.
debate, except where the time for the vote has been set in
advance.
4. Before or during a vote, a political group or at least 40
Members may move that the vote be adjourned. Such a motion
4. If
the
proposal
or
request
is
rejected,
it
may
not
be
tabled shall be put to the vote immediately.
again during the same debate, except by the President.
Any decision by Parliament to adjourn a debate to a subsequent part-
Rule 177
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-
Adjournment of a debate and vote
session is drawn up in accordance with Rules 137 and 140.
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
Rule 178
debate be adjourned to a specific date and time. Such a
motion shall be put to the vote immediately.
Suspension or closure of the sitting
The sitting may be suspended or closed during a debate or a
The intention to move adjournment shall be notified at least 24
vote if Parliament so decides on a proposal from the President
hours in advance to the President, who shall inform Parliament
or at the request of a political group or at least 40 Members.
immediately.
Such a proposal or request shall be put to the vote immediately.
CHAPTER 7
Public record of proceedings
Rule 179
Rule 180
Minutes
Texts adopted
1. The
minutes
of
each
sitting,
detailing
the
proceedings
and
1. Texts adopted by Parliament shall be published
the decisions of Parliament and the names of speakers, shall be
immediately after the vote. They shall be placed before
distributed at least half an hour before the beginning of the
Parliament in conjunction with the minutes of the relevant
afternoon period of the next sitting.
sitting and preserved in the records of Parliament.
2. Texts
adopted
by
Parliament
shall
be
subject
to
legal-
In the context of legislative proceedings, any amendments adopted by
linguistic finalisation under the responsibility of the President.
Parliament are also deemed to be decisions within the meaning of this
Where such texts are adopted on the basis of an agreement
provision, even if the relevant Commission proposal or the Council’s
reached between Parliament and the Council, such finalisation
position is ultimately rejected, in accordance with Rule 56(1) or Rule
shall be carried out by the two institutions acting in close
65(3) respectively.
cooperation and by mutual agreement.
3. The
procedure
laid
down
in
Rule
216
shall
apply
where,
2. At the beginning of the afternoon period of each sitting
in order to ensure the coherence and quality of the text in
the President shall place before Parliament, for its approval, the
accordance with the will expressed by Parliament, adaptations
minutes of the previous sitting.
are required which go beyond corrections of typographical
errors or corrections necessary to ensure the concordance of
all language versions, their linguistic correctness and their termi
nological consistency.
3. If
any
objections
are
raised
to
the
minutes
Parliament
shall, if necessary, decide whether the changes requested
4. Positions
adopted
by
Parliament
under
the
ordinary
legis
should be considered. No Member may speak on the subject
lative procedure shall take the form of a consolidated text.
for more than 1 minute.
Where Parliament’s vote was not based on an agreement with
the Council, the consolidated text shall identify any
amendments adopted.
4. The minutes shall be signed by the President and the
Secretary-General and preserved in the records of Parliament.
5. After finalisation, the texts adopted shall be signed by the
They shall be published in the Official Journal of the European
President and the Secretary-General and published in the Official
Union.
Journal of the European Union.

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Rule 181
4. Members
may
ask
for
extracts
from
the
verbatim
report
to
be translated at short notice.
Verbatim reports
1. A verbatim report of the proceedings of each sitting shall
be drawn up in all the official languages.
Rule 182
2. Speakers shall return corrections to typescripts of their
speeches to the Secretariat within 1 week.
Audiovisual record of proceedings
Immediately after the sitting, an audiovisual record of the
3. The
verbatim
report
shall
be
published
as
an
annex
to
the
proceedings, including the soundtrack from all interpretation
Official Journal of the European Union.
booths, shall be produced and made available on the Internet.
TITLE VII
COMMITTEES AND DELEGATIONS
CHAPTER 1
Committees - setting-up and powers
Rule 183
The decision to set up a committee of inquiry shall be published
in the Official Journal of the European Union within 1 month. In
Setting-up of standing committees
addition, Parliament shall take all the necessary steps to make
On a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, Parliament
this decision as widely known as possible.
shall set up standing committees whose powers shall be defined
in an annex to these Rules of Procedure ( 18 ). Their members
2. The modus operandi of a committee of inquiry shall be
shall be elected during the first part-session following the re-
governed by the provisions of these Rules relating to
election of Parliament and again 2 years thereafter.
committees, save as otherwise specifically provided for in this
Rule and in the Decision of the European Parliament, the
The powers of standing committees can be determined at a time other
Council and the Commission of 19 April 1995 on the
than that at which the committee is set up.
detailed provisions governing the exercise of the European
Parliament’s right of inquiry, which is annexed to these
Rules (
Rule 184

19 ).
Setting-up of special committees
3. The
request
to
set
up
a
committee
of
inquiry
must
specify
On a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, Parliament
precisely the subject of the inquiry and include a detailed
may at any time set up special committees, whose powers,
statement of the grounds for it. Parliament, on a proposal
composition and term of office shall be defined at the same
from the Conference of Presidents, shall decide whether to set
time as the decision to set them up is taken; their term of office
up a committee and, if it decides to do so, on its composition,
may not exceed 12 months, except where Parliament extends
in accordance with Rule 186.
that term on its expiry.
4. A
committee
of
inquiry
shall
conclude
its
work
by
As the powers, composition and term of office of special committees
submitting a report within not more than 12 months.
are decided at the same time as those committees are set up,
Parliament may twice decide to extend this period by 3 months.
Parliament cannot subsequently decide to alter their powers by either
increasing or reducing them.
Only full members or, in their absence, permanent substitutes
may vote in a committee of inquiry.
Rule 185
Committees of inquiry
5. A committee of inquiry shall elect its Chair and two Vice-
Chairs and appoint one or more rapporteurs. The committee
1. Parliament
may,
at
the
request
of
one
quarter
of
its may also assign responsibilities, duties or specific tasks to its
component Members, set up a committee of inquiry to inves
members who must subsequently report to the committee in
tigate alleged contraventions of Union law or alleged malad
detail thereon.
ministration 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
In the interval between one meeting and another, the bureau of
Member State, or of persons empowered by Union law to
the committee shall, in cases of urgency or need, exercise the
implement that law.
committee’s powers, subject to ratification at the next meeting.
( 18 ) See Annex VII.
( 19 ) See Annex IX.

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6. If a committee of inquiry considers that any of its rights
Meetings shall be held on premises equipped in such a way
have been infringed, it shall propose that the President take
as to make it impossible for any non-authorised persons to
appropriate measures.
listen to the proceedings.
7. A
committee
of
inquiry
may
contact
the
institutions
or 10. After completion of its work a committee of inquiry
persons referred to in Article 3 of the Decision referred to in
shall submit to Parliament a report on the results of its work,
paragraph 2 with a view to holding a hearing or obtaining
containing minority opinions if appropriate in accordance with
documents.
the conditions laid down in Rule 52. The report shall be
published.
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
At the request of the committee of inquiry Parliament shall hold
expenses of other persons who appear before a committee of
a debate on the report at the part-session following its
inquiry shall be reimbursed by the European Parliament in
submission.
accordance with the rules governing hearings of experts.
The committee may also submit to Parliament a draft recom
Persons called to give evidence before a committee of inquiry
mendation addressed to institutions or bodies of the European
may claim the rights they would enjoy if appearing as a witness
Union or the Member States.
before a tribunal in their country of origin. They must be
informed of these rights before they make a statement to the
committee.
11. The
President
shall
instruct
the
committee
responsible
under Annex VII to monitor the action taken on the results
of the work of the committee of inquiry and, if appropriate, to
With regard to the languages used, a committee of inquiry shall
report thereon, and shall take any further steps which are
apply the provisions of Rule 146. However, the bureau of the
deemed appropriate to ensure that the conclusions of the
committee:
inquiry are acted upon in practice.
— may restrict interpretation to the official languages of those
taking part in the deliberations, if it deems this necessary for
Only the proposal from the Conference of Presidents concerning the
reasons of confidentiality,
composition of a committee of inquiry (paragraph 3) is open to
amendment, in accordance with Rule 186(2).
— shall decide about translation of the documents received in
such a way as to ensure that the committee can carry out its
The subject of the inquiry as defined by one quarter of Parliament’s
deliberations efficiently and rapidly and that the necessary
component Members (paragraph 3) and the period laid down in
secrecy and confidentiality are respected.
paragraph 4 are not open to amendments.
8. The Chair of a committee of inquiry shall, together with
Rule 186
the bureau, ensure that the secrecy or confidentiality of delib
erations are respected and shall give members due notice to this
Composition of committees
effect.
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
The Chair shall also explicitly refer to the provisions of
of Presidents shall submit proposals to Parliament. The
Article 2(2) of the Decision referred to above. Part A of
composition of the committees shall, as far as possible, reflect
Annex VIII to these Rules of Procedure shall apply.
the composition of Parliament.
9. Secret
or
confidential
documents
which
have
been
When Members change their political group they shall retain, for the
forwarded shall be examined using technical measures to
remainder of their 2 -year term of office, the seats they hold in
ensure that only the members responsible for the case have
parliamentary committees. However, if a Member’s change of political
personal access to them. The members in question shall give
group has the effect of disturbing the fair representation of political
a solemn undertaking not to allow any other person access to
views in a committee, new proposals for the composition of that
secret or confidential information, in accordance with this Rule,
committee are made by the Conference of Presidents in accordance
and to use such information exclusively for the purposes of
with the procedure laid down in paragraph 1, second sentence, so
drawing up their report for the committee of inquiry.
that the individual rights of the Member concerned are guaranteed.

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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
The provisions of this Rule encompass two concepts which are clearly
size by the corresponding number. Exchange of seats between political
defined by this text:
groups is not allowed.
— a political group may not have more permanent substitutes on a
2. Amendments to the proposals by the Conference of
committee than it has full members,
Presidents shall be admissible only if they are tabled by at
least 40 Members. Parliament shall vote on such amendments
by secret ballot.
— only political groups are entitled to appoint permanent substitutes,
on the sole condition that they inform the President.
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.
To conclude:
4. If
a
political
group
fails
to
submit
nominations
for — the status of permanent substitutes depends exclusively on
membership of a committee of inquiry in accordance with
membership of a given political group,
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
— if the number of a political group’s full members in a committee
that time limit.
changes, the maximum number of permanent substitutes which it
can appoint to that committee changes accordingly,
5. The
Conference
of
Presidents
may
provisionally
decide
to
fill any vacancy on a committee with the agreement of the
— Members who change their political group may not keep the status
persons to be appointed, having regard to paragraph 1.
of permanent substitute which they had as members of their
original group,
6. Any
such
changes
shall
be
placed
before
Parliament
for
ratification at the next sitting.
— a committee member may not under any circumstances be a
substitute for a colleague who belongs to another political group.
Rule 187
Rule 188
Substitutes
Duties of committees
1. The political groups and the non-attached Members may
appoint a number of permanent substitutes for each committee
1. Standing
committees
shall
examine
questions
referred
to
equal to the number of full members representing them on the
them by Parliament or, during an adjournment of the session,
committee. The President shall be informed accordingly. These
by the President on behalf of the Conference of Presidents. The
permanent substitutes shall be entitled to attend and speak at
responsibilities of special committees and committees of inquiry
committee meetings and, if the full member is absent, to take
shall be defined when they are set up; they shall not be entitled
part in the vote.
to deliver opinions to other committees.
2. In
addition,
in
the
absence
of
the
full
member
and
where (See interpretation under Rule 184.)
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
2. If
a
standing
committee
declares
itself
not
competent
to
political group, who shall be entitled to vote. The Chair of
consider a question, or a conflict arises over the competence of
the committee shall be notified of the name of the substitute
two or more standing committees, the question of competence
prior to the beginning of the voting session.
shall be referred to the Conference of Presidents within 4
working weeks of the announcement in Parliament of referral
to committee.
Paragraph 2 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the non-attached
Members.
The Conference of Presidents shall take a decision within 6
weeks on the basis of a recommendation from the Conference
The advance notification provided for in the last sentence of paragraph
of Committee Chairs, or, if no such recommendation is forth
2 must be given before the end of the debate or before the opening of
coming, from the latter’s Chair. If the Conference of Presidents
the vote on the item or items for which the full member is to be
fails to take a decision within that period, the recommendation
replaced.
shall be deemed to have been approved.

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The committee Chairs may enter into agreements with other committee
shall elect a bureau consisting of a chair and of vice-chairs
Chairs concerning the allocation of an item to a particular committee,
who shall be elected in separate ballots. The number of vice-
subject, where necessary, to authorisation of a procedure with associated
chairs to be elected shall be determined by Parliament upon a
committees under Rule 50.
proposal by the Conference of Presidents.
3. Should
two
or
more
standing
committees
be
competent
to deal with a question, one committee shall be named as the
This Rule does not preclude the Chair of the main committee from
committee responsible and the others as committees asked for
involving the Chairs of the subcommittees in the work of the bureau or
opinions.
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
A question shall not, however, be referred simultaneously to
entirety for its consideration and that it receives the bureau’s
more than three committees, unless it is decided for sound
agreement.
reasons to depart from this rule under the conditions laid
down in paragraph 1.
2. Where
the
number
of
nominations
corresponds
to
the
4. Any
two
or
more
committees
or
subcommittees
may number of seats to be filled, the election may take place by
jointly consider matters falling within their competence, but
acclamation.
they may not take a decision.
If this is not the case, or at the request of one sixth of the
5. Any
committee
may,
with
the
agreement
of
Parliament’s members of the committee, the election shall take place by
Bureau, instruct one or more of its members to undertake a
secret ballot.
study or fact-finding mission.
Rule 189
If there is only one candidate, the election shall be won by an
Committee responsible for the verification of credentials
absolute majority of the votes cast, these to include votes cast
for and against.
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.
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
Rule 190
the second ballot, the candidate who obtains the highest
number of votes shall be elected. In the event of a tie, the
Subcommittees
oldest candidate shall be elected.
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
Where a second ballot is required, new candidates may be
the same time determining their composition, in accordance
nominated.
with Rule 186, and their areas of responsibility. Subcommittees
shall report to the committee that set them up.
Rule 192
2. The
procedure
for
subcommittees
shall
be
the
same
as
for
Committee coordinators and shadow rapporteurs
committees.
1. The
political
groups
may
designate
one
of
their
members
as coordinator.
3. Substitutes
shall
be
allowed
to
sit
on
subcommittees
under
the same conditions as on committees.
2. The committee coordinators shall if necessary be
4. The
application
of
these
provisions
must
safeguard
the convened by their committee Chair to prepare decisions to be
interdependence between a subcommittee and the committee
taken by the committee, in particular decisions on procedure
within which it is set up. For this purpose all the full
and the appointment of rapporteurs. The committee may
members of a subcommittee shall be chosen from among the
delegate the power to take certain decisions to the coordinators,
members of the parent committee.
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
Rule 191
in a consultative role. The coordinators shall endeavour to find
Committee bureaux
a consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, they may act
only by a majority that clearly represents a large majority of the
1. At
the
first
committee
meeting
after
the
election
of committee, having regard to the respective strengths of the
committee members pursuant to Rule 186, the committee
various groups.

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3. The
political
groups
may
designate
a
shadow
rapporteur The committee, on a proposal from the coordinators, may in
for each report to follow the progress of the relevant report and
particular decide to involve the shadow rapporteurs in seeking
find compromises within the committee on behalf of the group.
an agreement with the Council in ordinary legislative
Their names shall be communicated to the committee Chair.
procedures.
CHAPTER 2
Committees - functioning
Rule 193
Rule 195
Committee meetings
Voting in committee
1. A committee shall meet when convened by its Chair or at
1. Any
Member
may
table
amendments
for
consideration
in
the request of the President.
committee.
2. The
Commission
and
the
Council
may
take
part
in 2. A
committee
may
validly
vote
when
one
quarter
of
its
committee meetings if invited to do so on behalf of a
members are actually present. However, if so requested by one
committee by its Chair.
sixth of its members before voting begins, the vote shall be
valid only if the majority of the component members of the
By special decision of a committee, any other person may be
committee have taken part in it.
invited to attend and to speak at a meeting.
3. Voting
in
committee
shall
be
by
show
of
hands,
unless
a
By analogy, the decision on whether to allow Members’ assistants to be
quarter of the committee’s members request a vote by roll call.
present at committee meetings is left to the discretion of each
In this case the vote shall be taken in accordance with Rule
committee.
167(2).
The committee responsible may, subject to approval by the Bureau,
4. The
Chair
may
take
part
in
discussions
and
may
vote,
but
organise a hearing of experts if it considers such a hearing essential to
without having a casting vote.
the effective conduct of its work on a particular subject.
5. In the light of the amendments tabled, the committee
Committees asked for opinions may attend the hearing if they so wish.
may, instead of proceeding to a vote, ask the rapporteur to
submit a new draft taking account of as many of the
Provisions of this paragraph shall be interpreted in accordance with the
amendments as possible. A new deadline shall then be set for
point 50 of the Framework Agreement on relations between the
amendments to this draft.
European Parliament and the European Commission ( 20 ).
Rule 196
3. Without
prejudice
to
Rule
49(6)
and
unless
the
committee
concerned decides otherwise, Members may attend meetings of
Provisions concerning plenary sittings applicable in
committees to which they do not belong but may not take part
committee
in their deliberations.
Rules 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 36 to 44, 148, 149(2) and (10), 152,
154, 156 to 159, 161, 163(1), 164, 165, 168, 169, 171 to
Such Members may, however, be allowed by the committee to
174, 177 and 178 shall apply mutatis mutandis to committee
take part in its proceedings in an advisory capacity.
meetings.
Rule 194
Rule 197
Minutes of committee meetings
Question Time in committee
The minutes of each meeting of a committee shall be
Question Time may be held in committee if a committee so
distributed to all its members and submitted to the
decides. Each committee shall decide on its own rules for the
committee for its approval.
conduct of Question Time.
CHAPTER 3
Interparliamentary delegations
Rule 198
and decide on their nature and the number of their
members in the light of their duties. The members shall
Setting-up and duties of interparliamentary delegations
be elected during the first or second part-session
1. On
a
proposal
from
the
Conference
of
Presidents, following the re-election of Parliament for the duration of the
Parliament shall set up standing interparliamentary delegations
parliamentary term.
( 20 ) See Annex XIV.

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2. Members
of
the
delegations
shall
be
elected
after
nomi
2. The
Conference
of
Presidents,
in
agreement
with
the
nations have been submitted to the Conference of Presidents by
competent authorities of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
the political groups and the non-attached Members. The
Council of Europe, shall decide on the arrangements for imple
Conference of Presidents shall submit to Parliament proposals
menting these provisions.
designed to ensure as far as possible that Member States and
political views are fairly represented. Rule 186(2), (3), (5) and
Rule 200
(6) shall apply.
Joint parliamentary committees
3. The
bureaux
of
the
delegations
shall
be
constituted
in
accordance with the procedure laid down for the standing
1. The
European
Parliament
may
set
up
joint
parliamentary
committees in Rule 191.
committees with the parliaments of States associated with the
Union or States with which accession negotiations have been
initiated.
4. Parliament
shall
determine
the
general
powers
of
the
indi
vidual delegations. It may at any time decide to increase or
restrict those powers.
Such committees may formulate recommendations for the
parliaments involved. In the case of the European Parliament,
5. The
implementing
provisions
needed
to
enable
the these recommendations shall be referred to the committee
delegations to carry out their work shall be adopted by the
responsible, which shall put forward proposals on the action
Conference of Presidents on a proposal from the Conference
to be taken.
of Delegation Chairs.
2. The
general
responsibilities
of
the
various
joint
parlia
6. The
Chair
of
a
delegation
shall
submit
to
the
committee mentary committees shall be defined by the European
responsible for foreign affairs and security a report on the
Parliament and by the agreements with the third countries.
activities of the delegation.
3. Joint
parliamentary
committees
shall
be
governed
by
the
7. The
Chair
of
a
delegation
shall
be
given
an
opportunity
to procedures laid down in the relevant agreement. Such
be heard by a committee when an item on the agenda which
procedures shall be based on the principle of parity between
touches on the delegation’s area of responsibility. The same
the delegation of the European Parliament and that of the
shall apply to the Chair or rapporteur of that committee in
parliament involved.
the case of meetings of the delegation.
Rule 199
4. Joint
parliamentary
committees
shall
draw
up
their
own
rules of procedure and submit them for approval to the bureaux
Cooperation with the Parliamentary Assembly of the
of the European Parliament and of the parliament involved.
Council of Europe
1. Parliament’s
bodies,
particularly
the
committees,
shall 5. The election of the members of European Parliament
cooperate with their counterparts at the Parliamentary
delegations to joint parliamentary committees and the consti
Assembly of the Council of Europe in fields of mutual
tution of the bureaux of these delegations shall take place in
interest, with the aim in particular of improving the efficiency
accordance with the procedure laid down for interparliamentary
of their work and avoiding duplication of effort.
delegations.
TITLE VIII
PETITIONS
Rule 201
If no such representatives have been designated the first
signatory or another appropriate person shall be regarded as
Right of petition
the petitioner.
1. Any
citizen
of
the
European
Union
and
any
natural
or
legal person residing or having its registered office in a Member
4. Each
petitioner
may
at
any
time
withdraw
support
for
the
State shall have the right to address, individually or in
petition.
association with other citizens or persons, a petition to
Parliament on a matter which comes within the European
Union’s fields of activity and which affects him, her or it
After withdrawal of support by all the petitioners the petition
directly.
shall become null and void.
2. Petitions
to
Parliament
shall
show
the
name,
nationality 5. Petitions must be written in an official language of the
and permanent address of each petitioner.
European Union.
Petitions written in any other language will be considered only
3. Where
a
petition
is
signed
by
several
natural
or
legal if the petitioner has attached a translation in an official
persons, the signatories shall designate a representative and
language. Parliament’s correspondence with the petitioner shall
deputy representatives who shall be regarded as the petitioners
employ the official language in which the translation is drawn
for the purposes of this Title.
up.

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The Bureau may decide that petitions and correspondence with
Member State shall be registered and filed separately. The
petitioners may be drafted in other languages used in a Member
President shall send a monthly record of such petitions
State.
received during the previous month, indicating their subject-
matter, to the committee responsible for considering petitions,
which may ask to see those which it wishes to consider.
6. Petitions shall be entered in a register in the order in
which they are received if they comply with the conditions
laid down in paragraph 2; those that do not shall be filed,
and the petitioner shall be informed of the reasons for this.
Rule 202
Examination of petitions
7. Petitions
entered
in
the
register
shall
be
forwarded
by
the
President to the committee responsible, which shall first
1. Admissible
petitions
shall
be
considered
by
the
committee
establish the admissibility or otherwise of the petition in
responsible in the course of its normal activity, either through
accordance with Article 227 of the Treaty on the Functioning
discussion at a regular meeting or by written procedure. Peti
of the European Union.
tioners may be invited to participate in meetings of the
committee if their petition is to be the subject of discussion,
or they may ask to be present. The right to speak shall be
granted to petitioners at the discretion of the Chair.
If the committee responsible fails to reach a consensus on the
admissibility of the petition, it shall be declared admissible at
the request of at least one quarter of the members of the
committee.
2. The
committee
may,
with
regard
to
an
admissible
petition,
decide to draw up an own-initiative report in accordance with
8. Petitions
declared
inadmissible
by
the
committee
shall
be Rule 48(1) or to submit a short motion for a resolution to
filed; the petitioner shall be informed of the decision and the
Parliament, provided that there is no objection by the
reasons for it. Where possible, alternative means of redress may
Conference of Presidents. Such motions for resolutions shall
be recommended.
be placed on the draft agenda for the part-session held no
later than 8 weeks after their adoption in committee. They
shall be put to a single vote and shall also be without debate
9. Petitions,
once
registered,
shall
as
a
general
rule
become unless the Conference of Presidents exceptionally decides to
public documents, and the name of the petitioner and the
apply Rule 139.
contents of the petition may be published by Parliament for
reasons of transparency.
10. Notwithstanding
the
provisions
contained
in
paragraph The committee may request opinions from other committees
9, the petitioner may request that his or her name be withheld
that have specific responsibility for the issue under
in order to protect his or her privacy, in which case Parliament
consideration in accordance with Rule 49 and Annex VII.
must comply with the request.
Where the petitioner’s complaint cannot be investigated for
reasons of anonymity, the petitioner shall be consulted as to
3. Where the report deals with, in particular, the application
the further steps to be taken.
or interpretation of Union law or proposed changes to existing
law, the committee responsible for the subject-matter shall be
associated in accordance with Rule 49(1) and the first and
second indents of Rule 50. The committee responsible shall
11. The
petitioner
may
request
that
his
or
her
petition
be accept without a vote suggestions for parts of the motion for
treated confidentially, in which case suitable precautions shall be
a resolution received from the committee responsible for the
taken by Parliament to ensure that the contents are not made
subject-matter which deal with the application or interpretation
public. The petitioner shall be told under which precise
of Union law or changes to existing law. If the committee
conditions this provision is to apply.
responsible does not accept such suggestions, the associated
committee may table them directly in plenary.
12. Where
the
committee
deems
it
appropriate,
it
may
refer
the matter to the Ombudsman.
4. An
electronic
register
shall
be
set
up
in
which
citizens
13. Petitions
addressed
to
Parliament
by
natural
or
legal may lend or withdraw support to the petitioner, appending
persons who are neither citizens of the European Union nor
their own electronic signature to petitions which have been
reside in a Member State nor have their registered office in a
declared admissible and entered in the register.

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5. When
investigating
petitions,
establishing
facts
or
seeking 9. The
petitioner
shall
be
informed
of
the
decision
taken
by
solutions the committee may organise fact-finding visits to the
the committee and the reasons for that decision.
Member State or region concerned by the petition.
Reports on the visits shall be drafted by their participants. They
When consideration of an admissible petition has been
shall be forwarded to the President after approval by the
concluded, it shall be declared closed and the petitioner
committee.
informed.
6. The committee may request assistance from the
Commission particularly in the form of information on the
Rule 203
application of, or compliance with, Union law and information
or documents relevant to the petition. Representatives of the
Notice of petitions
Commission shall be invited to attend meetings of the
committee.
1. Notice
shall
be
given
in
Parliament
of
the
petitions
entered
in the register referred to in Rule 201(6) and the main decisions
on the procedure to be followed in relation to specific petitions.
7. The
committee
may
ask
the
President
to
forward
its Such announcements shall be entered in the minutes of
opinion or recommendation to the Commission, the Council
proceedings.
or the Member State authority concerned for action or
response.
2. The title and a summary of the texts of petitions entered
8. The
committee
shall
inform
Parliament
every
6
months
of in the register, together with the texts of the opinions and the
the outcome of its deliberations.
most important decisions forwarded in connection with the
examination of the petitions, shall be made available to the
The committee shall, in particular, inform Parliament of the
public in a database, provided the petitioner agrees. Confidential
measures taken by the Council or the Commission on
petitions shall be preserved in the records of Parliament, where
petitions referred to them by Parliament.
they shall be available for inspection by Members.
TITLE IX
OMBUDSMAN
Rule 204
If no candidate is elected after the first two ballots, only the two
candidates obtaining the largest number of votes in the second
Election of the Ombudsman
ballot may continue to stand.
1. At
the
start
of
each
parliamentary
term,
immediately
after
his election or in the cases referred to in paragraph 8, the
President shall call for nominations for the office of
In the event of any tie the oldest candidate shall be appointed.
Ombudsman and set a time limit for their submission. A
notice calling for nominations shall be published in the
Official Journal of the European Union.
6. Before opening the vote, the President shall ensure that at
least half of Parliament’s component Members are present.
2. Nominations
must
have
the
support
of
at
least
40
Members who are nationals of at least two Member States.
7. The
person
elected
shall
immediately
be
called
upon
to
take an oath before the Court of Justice.
Each Member may support only one nomination.
Nominations shall include all the supporting documents needed
8. The
Ombudsman
shall
exercise
his
duties
until
his
to show conclusively that the nominee fulfils the conditions
successor takes office, except in the case of his death or
required by the Regulations on the Ombudsman.
dismissal.
3. Nominations
shall
be
forwarded
to
the
committee
responsible, which may ask to hear the nominees.
Rule 205
Activities of the Ombudsman
Such hearings shall be open to all Members.
1. The
decision
on
the
regulations
and
general
conditions
governing the performance of the Ombudsman’s duties and
4. A
list
of
admissible
nominations
in
alphabetical
order the provisions implementing that decision as adopted by the
shall then be submitted to the vote of Parliament.
Ombudsman are annexed to these Rules of Procedure ( 21 ) for
information.
5. The
vote
shall
be
held
by
secret
ballot
on
the
basis
of
a
majority of the votes cast.
( 21 ) See Annex XI.

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2. The
Ombudsman
shall,
in
accordance
with
Article
3(6)
2. The
request
shall
be
forwarded
to
the
Ombudsman
and
to
and (7) of the abovementioned decision, inform Parliament of
the committee responsible, which, if it decides by a majority of
cases of maladministration, on which the committee responsible
its members that the reasons are well founded, shall submit a
may draw up a report. The Ombudsman shall also, in
report to Parliament. If he so requests, the Ombudsman shall be
accordance with Article 3(8) of that decision, submit a report
heard before the report is put to the vote. Parliament shall,
to Parliament at the end of each annual session on the outcome
following a debate, take a decision by secret ballot.
of his inquiries. The committee responsible shall draw up a
report thereon which shall be submitted to Parliament for
debate.
3. Before
opening
the
vote,
the
President
shall
ensure
that
half of Parliament’s component Members are present.
3. The
Ombudsman
may
also
provide
the
committee
responsible with information at its request, or be heard by it
on his own initiative.
4. If the vote is in favour of the Ombudsman’s dismissal and
Rule 206
he does not resign accordingly the President shall, at the latest
by the part-session following that at which the vote was held,
Dismissal of the Ombudsman
apply to the Court of Justice to have the Ombudsman dismissed
with a request for a ruling to be given without delay.
1. One
tenth
of
Parliament’s
component
Members
may
request the Ombudsman’s dismissal if he no longer fulfils the
conditions required for the performance of his duties or is guilty
of serious misconduct.
Resignation by the Ombudsman shall terminate the procedure.
TITLE X
PARLIAMENT’S SECRETARIAT
Rule 207
3. The
Bureau
shall
decide
on
the
establishment
plan
of
the
Secretariat and lay down regulations relating to the adminis
Secretariat
trative and financial situation of officials and other servants.
1. Parliament
shall
be
assisted
by
a
Secretary-General
appointed by the Bureau.
The Bureau shall also decide on the categories of officials and
The Secretary-General shall give a solemn undertaking before
other servants to which Articles 11 to 13 of the Protocol on the
the Bureau to perform his duties conscientiously and with
Privileges and Immunities of the European Union are to apply
absolute impartiality.
wholly or in part.
2. The Secretary-General shall head a Secretariat the
composition and organisation of which shall be determined
The President of Parliament shall inform the appropriate insti
by the Bureau.
tutions of the European Union accordingly.
TITLE XI
POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO POLITICAL PARTIES AT EUROPEAN LEVEL
Rule 208
2. The
Bureau
shall
decide
whether
to
suspend
or
reduce
funding and whether to recover amounts which have been
Powers and responsibilities of the President
wrongly paid.
The President shall represent Parliament in its relations with
political parties at European level, in accordance with Rule
20(4).
3. After the end of the budget year the Bureau shall approve
the beneficiary political parties’ final activity reports and final
financial statements.
Rule 209
Powers and responsibilities of the Bureau
4. Under
the
terms
and
conditions
laid
down
in
Regulation
1. The
Bureau
shall
take
a
decision
on
any
application
for (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the
funding submitted by a political party at European level and on
Council the Bureau may grant technical assistance to political
the distribution of appropriations amongst the beneficiary
parties at European level in accordance with their proposals.
political parties. It shall draw up a list of the beneficiaries and
The Bureau may delegate specific types of decisions to grant
of the amounts allocated.
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5. In all the cases set out in paragraphs 1 to 4 the Bureau
2. Before
submitting
a
proposal
for
a
decision
to
Parliament,
shall act on the basis of a proposal from the Secretary-General.
the committee responsible shall hear the representatives of the
Except in the cases set out in paragraphs 1 and 4 the Bureau
political party concerned. It shall ask for and consider the
shall, before taking a decision, hear the representatives of the
opinion of a committee of independent eminent persons, as
political party concerned. The Bureau may at any time consult
provided for in Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003.
the Conference of Presidents.
3. Parliament
shall
vote
(by
a
majority
of
the
votes
cast)
on
6. Where Parliament - following verification - establishes that
the proposal for a decision establishing that the political party
a political party at European level has ceased to observe the
concerned either does or does not observe the principles set out
principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and
in paragraph 1. No amendment may be tabled. In either case, if
fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, the Bureau shall
the proposal for a decision does not secure a majority, a
decide that that political party shall be excluded from funding.
decision to the contrary shall be deemed to have been adopted.
Rule 210
4. Parliament’s
decision
shall
apply
with
effect
from
the
day
Powers and responsibilities of the committee responsible
upon which the request referred to in paragraph 1 was tabled.
and of Parliament’s plenary
1. At the request of one quarter of Parliament’s Members
representing at least three political groups, the President,
5. The
President
shall
represent
Parliament
on
the
committee
following an exchange of views in the Conference of Presidents,
of independent eminent persons.
shall call upon the committee responsible to verify whether or
not a political party at European level is continuing (particularly
in its programme and in its activities) to observe the principles
6. The
committee
responsible
shall
draw
up
the
report
upon which the European Union is founded, namely the prin
provided for in Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 on the appli
ciples of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and
cation of that Regulation and the activities funded, and shall
fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
submit it in plenary.
TITLE XII
APPLICATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE
Rule 211
5. Uncontested interpretations and interpretations adopted
by Parliament shall be appended in italic print as explanatory
Application of the Rules of Procedure
notes to the appropriate Rule or Rules.
1. Should
doubt
arise
over
the
application
or
interpretation
of these Rules of Procedure, the President may refer the matter
to the committee responsible for examination.
6. Interpretations
shall
constitute
precedents
for
the
future
application and interpretation of the Rules concerned.
Committee Chairs may do so when such a doubt arises in the
course of the committee’s work and is related to it.
7. The
Rules
of
Procedure
and
interpretations
shall
be
reviewed regularly by the committee responsible.
2. The
committee
shall
decide
whether
it
is
necessary
to
propose an amendment to the Rules of Procedure. If this
should be the case, it shall proceed in accordance with Rule
212.
8. Where
these
Rules
confer
rights
on
a
specific
number
of
Members, that number shall be automatically adjusted to the
nearest whole number representing the same percentage of
3. Should
the
committee
decide
that
an
interpretation
of
the Parliament’s membership whenever the total size of Parliament
existing Rules is sufficient, it shall forward its interpretation to
is increased, in particular following enlargements of the
the President who shall inform Parliament at its next part-
European Union.
session.
4. Should
a
political
group
or
at
least
40
Members
contest
Rule 212
the committee’s interpretation, the matter shall be put to the
Amendment of the Rules of Procedure
vote in Parliament. Adoption of the text shall be by a majority
of the votes cast, provided that at least one third of Parliament’s
1. Any
Member
may
propose
amendments
to
these
Rules
component Members are present. In the event of rejection, the
and to their annexes accompanied, where appropriate, by
matter shall be referred back to the committee.
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Such proposed amendments shall be translated, printed,
2. Amendments
to
these
Rules
shall
be
adopted
only
if
they
distributed and referred to the committee responsible, which
secure the votes of a majority of the component Members of
shall examine them and decide whether to submit them to
Parliament.
Parliament.
For the purpose of applying Rules 156, 157 and 161 to
consideration of such proposed amendments in Parliament,
3. Unless otherwise specified when the vote is taken,
references made in those Rules to the ‘original text’ or the
amendments to these Rules and to their annexes shall enter
proposal for a legislative act shall be considered as referring
into force on the first day of the part-session following their
to the provision in force at the time.
adoption.
TITLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Rule 213
parliamentary committees and other institutions to resume or
continue the consideration of such matters.
The symbols of the Union
1. Parliament
shall
recognise
and
espouse
the
following
symbols of the Union:
These provisions shall not apply to petitions and communi
cations that do not require a decision.
— the flag showing a circle of twelve golden stars on a blue
background,
Rule 215
Arrangement of annexes
— the anthem based on the ‘Ode to Joy’ from the Ninth
The annexes to these Rules of Procedure shall be arranged
Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven,
under the following four headings:
— the motto ‘United in diversity’.
(a) implementing provisions for procedures under these Rules,
adopted by a majority of the votes cast (Annex VII);
2. Parliament
shall
celebrate
Europe
Day
on
9
May.
(b) provisions adopted in implementation of specific terms of
3. The
flag
shall
be
flown
at
all
Parliament
premises
and
on
the Rules of Procedure and in accordance with the
the occasion of official events. The flag shall be used in each
procedures and majority rules laid down therein (Annexes
meeting room of the Parliament.
I, II, III, IV, VI, VIII(A), (C) and (D), and X);
4. The
anthem
shall
be
performed
at
the
opening
of
each (c) interinstitutional agreements or other provisions adopted in
constitutive sitting and at other solemn sittings, particularly to
accordance with the Treaties which are applicable within
welcome heads of State or government or to greet new
Parliament or which have a bearing on its operation.
Members following enlargements.
Decisions to annex such provisions to the Rules of
Procedure shall be taken by Parliament by a majority of
the votes cast, on a proposal from its committee responsible
5. The
motto
shall
be
reproduced
on
Parliament’s
official
(Annexes VIII(B), IX, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XIX and XX);
documents.
(d) guidelines and codes of conduct adopted by the relevant
6. The
Bureau
shall
examine
further
use
of
the
symbols
bodies of Parliament (Annexes XVI, XVII, XVIII and XXI).
within the Parliament. The Bureau shall lay down detailed
provisions for the implementation of this Rule.
Rule 216
Rule 214
Corrigenda
Unfinished business
1. If
an
error
is
identified
in
a
text
adopted
by
Parliament,
the President shall, where appropriate, refer a draft corrigendum
At the end of the last part-session before elections, all
to the committee responsible.
Parliament’s unfinished business shall be deemed to have
lapsed, subject to the provisions of the second paragraph.
2. If
an
error
is
identified
in
a
text
adopted
by
Parliament
and agreed with other institutions, the President shall seek the
At the beginning of each parliamentary term, the Conference of
agreement of those institutions on the necessary corrections
Presidents shall take a decision on reasoned requests from
before proceeding in accordance with paragraph 1.

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3. The
committee
responsible
shall
examine
the
draft
corri
political group or at least 40 Members that it be put to the vote.
gendum and submit it to Parliament if it is satisfied that an
If the corrigendum is not approved, it shall be referred back to
error has occurred which can be corrected in the proposed
the committee responsible which may propose an amended
manner.
corrigendum or close the procedure.
4. The
corrigendum
shall
be
announced
at
the
following 5. Approved
corrigenda
shall
be
published
in
the
same
way
part-session. It shall be deemed approved unless, not later
as the text to which they refer. Rules 72, 73 and 74 shall apply
than 48 hours after its announcement, a request is made by a
mutatis mutandis.

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ANNEX I
PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE APPLICATION OF RULE 9(1) - TRANSPARENCY AND MEMBERS’
FINANCIAL INTERESTS
Article 1
1. Before speaking in Parliament or in one of its bodies or if proposed as rapporteur, any Member who has a direct
financial interest in the subject under debate shall disclose this interest to the meeting orally.
2. Before Members may be validly nominated as office-holders of Parliament or one of its bodies, under Rule 13, 191
or 198(2), or participate in an official delegation, under Rule 68 or 198(2), they must have duly completed the
declaration provided for in Article 2.
Article 2
The Quaestors shall keep a register in which all Members shall make a personal, detailed declaration of:
(a) their professional activities and any other remunerated functions or activities;
(b) any salary which the Member receives for the exercise of a mandate in another parliament;
(c) any support, whether financial or in terms of staff or material, additional to that provided by Parliament and granted
to them in connection with their political activities by third parties, whose identity shall be disclosed.
Members of Parliament shall refrain from accepting any other gift or benefit in the performance of their duties.
The declarations in the register shall be made under the personal responsibility of the Member and must be updated every
year.
The Bureau may, from time to time, draw up a list of matters which it considers should be declared in the register.
If after the appropriate request Members do not fulfil their obligation to submit a declaration under (a) and (b), the
President shall remind them once again to submit the declaration within 2 months. If the declaration has not been
submitted within the time limit, the names of the Members concerned together with an indication of the infringement
shall be published in the minutes of the first day of each part-session after expiry of the time limit. If the Members
concerned continue to refuse to submit the declaration after the infringement has been published the President shall take
action in accordance with Rule 153 to suspend them.
Chairs of groupings of Members, both intergroups and other unofficial groupings of Members, shall be required to declare
any support, whether in cash or kind (e.g. secretarial assistance), which if offered to Members as individuals would have to
be declared pursuant to this Article.
The Quaestors shall be responsible for keeping a register and drawing up detailed rules for the declaration of outside
support by such groupings.
Article 3
The register shall be open to the public for inspection.
The register may be open to the public for inspection electronically.
Article 4
Members shall be subject to the obligations imposed on them by the legislation of the Member State in which they are
elected as regards the declaration of assets.

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ANNEX II
CONDUCT OF QUESTION TIME UNDER RULE 116
A. GUIDELINES
1. Questions
shall
be
admissible
only
where
they
— are concise and are drafted so as to permit a brief answer to be given,
— fall within the competence and sphere of responsibility of the Commission and the Council and are of general interest,
— do not require extensive prior study or research by the institution concerned,
— are clearly worded and relate to a specific matter,
— do not contain assertions or opinions,
— do not relate to strictly personal matters,
— are not aimed at procuring documents or statistical information,
— are interrogatory in form.
2. A question shall be inadmissible if the agenda already provides for the subject to be discussed with the participation
of the institution concerned.
3. A
question
shall
be
inadmissible
if
an
identical
or
similar
question
has
been
put
down
and
answered
during
the
preceding 3 months, or to the extent that it merely seeks information on the follow-up to a specific resolution of
Parliament of a kind which the Commission has already provided in a written follow-up communication, unless there are
new developments or the author is seeking further information. In the first case a copy of the question and the answer
shall be given to the author.
Supplementary questions
4. Each Member may follow up the reply with a supplementary question to any question and may put in all two
supplementary questions.
5. Supplementary
questions
shall
be
subject
to
the
rules
of
admissibility
laid
down
in
these
Guidelines.
6. The President shall rule on the admissibility of supplementary questions and shall limit their number so that each
Member who has put down a question may receive an answer to it.
The President shall not be obliged to declare a supplementary question admissible, even if it satisfies the foregoing
conditions of admissibility, if:
(a) it is likely to upset the normal conduct of Question Time; or
(b) the main question to which it relates has already been adequately covered by other supplementary questions; or
(c) it has no direct bearing on the main question.
Answers to questions
7. The institution concerned shall ensure that answers are concise and are relevant to the subject of the question.
8. If the content of the questions concerned permits it, the President may decide, after consulting the questioners, that
the institution concerned should answer them together.
9. A question may be answered only if the questioner is present or has notified the President in writing, before
Question Time begins, of the name of a substitute.
10. If neither the questioner nor a substitute is present, the question shall lapse.
11. If a Member tables a question, but neither that Member nor a substitute is present at Question Time, the President
shall remind the Member in writing of his or her responsibility to be present or substituted. If the President has to send
such a letter three times in the space of any 12-month period, the Member concerned shall lose the right to table
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12. Questions that remain unanswered for lack of time shall be answered in accordance with Rule 117(4), first
subparagraph, unless their authors request the application of Rule 117(3).
13. The
procedure
for
answers
in
writing
shall
be
governed
by
Rule
117(3)
and
(5).
Time limits
14. Questions shall be tabled at least 1 week before Question Time begins. Questions not tabled within this time limit
may be taken during Question Time with the consent of the institution concerned.
Questions declared admissible shall be distributed to Members and forwarded to the institutions concerned.
B. RECOMMENDATIONS
(extract from resolution of Parliament of 13 November 1986)
The European Parliament,
1. Recommends stricter application of the guidelines for the conduct of Question Time under Rule 43 ( 1 ), and in
particular of point 1 of those guidelines concerning admissibility;
2. Recommends more frequent use of the power conferred on the President of the European Parliament by Rule
43(3) ( 2 ) to group questions for Question Time according to subject; considers, however, that only the questions falling
within the first half of the list of questions tabled for a given part-session should be subject to such grouping;
3. Recommends, as regards supplementary questions, that as a general rule the President should allow one supple
mentary question from the questioner and one or at most two supplementaries put by Members belonging preferably to a
different political group and/or Member State from the author of the main question; recalls that supplementary questions
must be concise and interrogatory in form and suggests that their duration should not exceed 30 seconds;
4. Invites the Commission and the Council, pursuant to point 7 of the guidelines, to ensure that answers are concise
and relevant to the subject of the question.
( 1 ) Now Rule 116.
( 2 ) Now Rule 116(3).

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ANNEX III
GUIDELINES FOR QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER UNDER RULES 117 AND 118
1. Questions
for
written
answer
shall:
— clearly specify the addressee to whom they are to be transmitted through the usual interinstitutional channels,
— fall within the competence and sphere of responsibility of the addressee and be of general interest,
— be concise and contain an understandable interrogation,
— not contain offensive language,
— not relate to strictly personal matters.
2. If a question does not comply with these guidelines, the Secretariat shall provide the author with advice on how the
question may be drafted in order to be admissible.
3.
If an identical or similar question has been put and answered during the preceding 6 months, or to the extent that a
question merely seeks information on the follow-up to a specific resolution of Parliament of a kind which the
Commission has already provided in a written follow-up communication, the Secretariat shall transmit a copy of the
previous question and answer to the author. The renewed question shall not be forwarded to the addressee unless the
author invokes new significant developments or is seeking further information.
4. If a question seeks factual or statistical information that is already available to Parliament’s library, the latter shall
inform the Member, who may withdraw the question.
5. Questions
concerning
related
matters
may
be
answered
together.

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ANNEX IV
GUIDELINES AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES TO BE FOLLOWED WHEN CHOOSING THE SUBJECTS TO BE
INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE DEBATE ON CASES OF BREACHES OF HUMAN RIGHTS,
DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW PROVIDED FOR UNDER RULE 122
Fundamental principles
1. Priority shall be given to motions for resolutions intended to lead to a vote in Parliament addressed to the Council,
the Commission, the Member States, third countries or international bodies, before a particular event, provided that the
current part-session is the only part-session of the European Parliament at which a vote can be held in time.
2. Motions
for
resolutions
shall
not
exceed
500
words.
3. Subjects relating to the responsibilities of the European Union as laid down by the Treaties shall be given priority,
provided they are of major importance.
4. The
number
of
subjects
chosen
shall
be
such
as
to
allow
a
debate
commensurate
with
their
importance
and
should
not exceed three, including sub-chapters.
Practical details
5. The fundamental principles applied in determining the choice of subjects to be included in the debate on cases of
breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law shall be notified to Parliament and the political groups.
Limitation and allocation of speaking time
6. In order to make better use of the time available, the President, after consulting the political group Chairs, shall
reach agreement with the Council and the Commission on the limitation of the speaking time for their respective
statements, if any, in the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Deadline for tabling amendments
7. The deadline for tabling amendments shall allow sufficient time between their distribution in the official languages
and the time set for the debate on the motions for resolutions to enable Members and political groups to give them due
consideration.
ANNEX V
Deleted

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ANNEX VI
PROCEDURE FOR THE CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF DECISIONS ON THE GRANTING OF
DISCHARGE
Article 1
Documents
1. The
following
documents
shall
be
printed
and
distributed:
(a) the revenue and expenditure account, the financial analysis and the balance sheet forwarded by the Commission;
(b) the Annual Report and special reports of the Court of Auditors, accompanied by the institutions’ answers;
(c) the statement of assurance as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying
transactions provided by the Court of Auditors pursuant to Article 287 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the
European Union;
(d) the Council recommendation.
2. These 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 shall be
communicated to the committee responsible.
Article 2
Consideration of report
1. Parliament
shall
consider
a
report
from
the
committee
responsible
concerning
discharge
by
30
April
of
the
year
following the adoption of the Court of Auditors’ Annual Report as required by the Financial Regulation.
2. Parliament’s
Rules
relating
to
amendments
and
voting
shall
apply
unless
otherwise
provided
in
this
Annex.
Article 3
Content of the Report
1. The
discharge
report
drawn
up
by
the
committee
responsible
shall
comprise:
(a) a proposal for a decision granting discharge or postponing the discharge decision (April part-session vote) or a
proposal for a decision granting or refusing to grant discharge (October part-session vote);
(b) a proposal for a decision closing the accounts of all the Union’s revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities;
(c) a motion for a resolution containing comments accompanying the proposal for a decision referred to in point (a)
including both an assessment of the Commission’s budgetary management over the financial year and observations
relating to the implementation of expenditure for the future;
(d) as an Annex, a list of the documents received from the Commission and those requested but not received;
(e) the opinions of the committees concerned.
2. If the committee responsible proposes postponing the discharge decision, the relevant motion for a resolution shall
also set out, inter alia:
(a) the reasons for postponement;
(b) the further action that the Commission is expected to take and the deadlines for doing so;
(c) the documents required for Parliament to take an informed decision.
Article 4
Consideration and vote in Parliament
1. Any report by the committee responsible concerning the discharge shall be included on the agenda of the first part-
session following its tabling.
2. Amendments
shall
be
admissible
only
to
the
motion
for
a
resolution
tabled
in
accordance
with
Article
3(1)(c).
3. Unless otherwise stipulated in Article 5, the vote on the proposals for decisions and the motion for a resolution
shall follow the order of Article 3.

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4. Parliament shall decide by a majority of the votes cast, in accordance with Article 231 of the Treaty on the
Functioning of the European Union.
Article 5
Procedural variants
1. April
part-session
vote
In the first instance, the discharge report shall propose either to grant or to postpone discharge.
(a) If a proposal to grant discharge secures a majority, discharge is granted. This shall also constitute closure of the
accounts.
If a proposal to grant discharge fails to secure a majority, discharge shall be deemed to be postponed and the
committee responsible shall table a new report within 6 months containing a new proposal to grant or refuse to
grant discharge.
(b) If a proposal to postpone discharge is adopted, the committee responsible shall table a new report within 6 months
containing a new proposal to grant or refuse to grant discharge. In this case the closure of accounts shall also be
postponed and retabled with the new report.
If a proposal to postpone discharge fails to secure a majority, discharge shall be deemed granted. In this instance the
decision shall also constitute closure of the accounts. The motion for resolution may still be put to the vote.
2. October
part-session
vote
In the second instance, the discharge report shall propose either to grant or to refuse to grant discharge.
(a) If a proposal to grant discharge secures a majority, discharge is granted. This shall also constitute closure of the
accounts.
If a proposal to grant discharge fails to secure a majority, this shall constitute refusal of discharge. A formal proposal
to close the accounts for the year in question shall be submitted at a subsequent part-session at which the
Commission shall be invited to make a statement.
(b) If a proposal to refuse discharge secures a majority, a formal proposal to close the accounts for the year in question
shall be submitted at a subsequent part-session at which the Commission shall be invited to make a statement.
If a proposal to refuse discharge fails to secure a majority, discharge shall be deemed granted. In this instance the
decision shall also constitute closure of accounts. The motion for resolution may still be put to the vote.
3. In the event that the motion for resolution or the proposal on closure contains provisions which contradict
Parliament’s vote on the discharge, the President, after consulting the Chair of the committee responsible, may
postpone that vote and fix a new deadline for tabling amendments.
Article 6
Implementation of discharge decisions
1. The President shall forward any decision or resolution of Parliament adopted pursuant to Article 3 to the
Commission and to each of the other institutions and shall arrange for their publication in the Official Journal of the
European Union in the series appropriate to acts of a legislative character.
2. The committee responsible shall report to Parliament at least annually on the action taken by the institutions in
response to the comments accompanying the discharge decisions and the other comments contained in Parliament’s
resolutions concerning the implementation of expenditure.
3. On the basis of a report by the committee responsible for budgetary control, the President, acting on behalf of
Parliament, may bring an action before the Court of Justice of the European Union against the institution concerned,
pursuant to Article 265 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, for failure to comply with the
obligations deriving from the comments accompanying the discharge decision or the other resolutions concerning
implementation of expenditure.

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ANNEX VII
POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES ( 1 )
I. Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee responsible for:
1. the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the European security and defence policy (ESDP). In this context
the committee is assisted by a subcommittee on security and defence;
2. relations with other EU institutions and bodies, the UNO and other international organisations and interparliamentary
assemblies for matters falling under its responsibility;
3. the strengthening of political relations with third countries, particularly those in the immediate vicinity of the Union,
by means of major cooperation and assistance programmes or international agreements such as association and
partnership agreements;
4. the opening, monitoring and concluding of negotiations concerning the accession of European States to the Union;
5. issues concerning human rights, the protection of minorities and the promotion of democratic values in third
countries. In this context the committee is assisted by a subcommittee on human rights. Without prejudice to the
relevant rules, members from other committees and bodies with responsibilities in this field shall be invited to attend
the meetings of the subcommittee.
The committee coordinates the work of joint parliamentary committees and parliamentary cooperation committees as
well as that of the interparliamentary delegations and ad hoc delegations and election observation missions falling within
its remit.
II. Committee on Development
Committee responsible for:
1. the promotion, implementation and monitoring of the development and cooperation policy of the Union, notably:
(a) political dialogue with developing countries, bilaterally and in the relevant international organisations and inter
parliamentary for a;
(b) aid to, and cooperation agreements with, developing countries;
(c) promotion of democratic values, good governance and human rights in developing countries;
2. matters relating to the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement and relations with the relevant bodies;
3. Parliament’s involvement in election observation missions, when appropriate in cooperation with other relevant
committees and delegations.
The committee coordinates the work of the interparliamentary delegations and ad hoc delegations falling within its remit.
III. Committee on International Trade
Committee responsible for:
matters relating to the establishment and implementation of the Union’s common commercial policy and its external
economic relations, in particular:
1. financial, economic and trade relations with third countries and regional organisations;
2. measures of technical harmonisation or standardisation in fields covered by instruments of international law;
3. relations with the relevant international organisations and with organisations promoting regional economic and
commercial integration outside the Union;
( 1 ) Adopted by decision of Parliament of 6 May 2009.

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4. relations with the WTO, including its parliamentary dimension.
The committee liaises with the relevant interparliamentary and ad hoc delegations for the economic and trade aspects of
relations with third countries.
IV. Committee on Budgets
Committee responsible for:
1. the multiannual financial framework of the Union’s revenue and expenditure and the Union’s system of own resources;
2. Parliament’s budgetary prerogatives, namely the budget of the Union as well as the negotiation and implementation of
interinstitutional agreements in this field;
3. Parliament’s estimates according to the procedure defined in the Rules;
4. the budget of the decentralised bodies;
5. the financial activities of the European Investment Bank;
6. the budgetisation of the European Development Fund, without prejudice to the powers of the committee responsible
for the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement;
7. financial implications and compatibility with the multiannual Financial Framework of all Union acts, without prejudice
to the powers of the relevant committees;
8. keeping track of and assessing the implementation of the current budget notwithstanding Rule 78(1), transfers of
appropriations, procedures relating to the establishment plans, administrative appropriations and opinions concerning
buildings-related projects with significant financial implications;
9. the Financial Regulation, excluding matters relating to the implementation, management and control of the budget.
V. Committee on Budgetary Control
Committee responsible for:
1. the control of the implementation of the budget of the Union and of the European Development Fund, and the
decisions on discharge to be taken by Parliament, including the internal discharge procedure and all other measures
accompanying or implementing such decisions;
2. the closure, presenting and auditing of the accounts and balance sheets of the Union, its institutions and any bodies
financed by it, including the establishment of appropriations to be carried over and the settling of balances;
3. the control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank;
4. monitoring the cost-effectiveness of the various forms of Union financing in the implementation of the Union’s
policies;
5. consideration of fraud and irregularities in the implementation of the budget of the Union, measures aiming at
preventing and prosecuting such cases, and the protection of the Union’s financial interests in general;
6. relations with the Court of Auditors, the appointment of its members and consideration of its reports;
7. the Financial Regulation as far as the implementation, management and control of the budget are concerned.
VI. Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Committee responsible for:
1. the economic and monetary policies of the Union, the functioning of Economic and Monetary Union and the
European monetary and financial system (including relations with the relevant institutions or organisations);
2. the free movement of capital and payments (cross-border payments, single payment area, balance of payments, capital
movements and borrowing and lending policy, control of movements of capital originating in third countries,
measures to encourage the export of the Union’s capital);
3. the international monetary and financial system (including relations with financial and monetary institutions and
organisations);
4. rules on competition and State or public aid;

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5. tax provisions;
6. the regulation and supervision of financial services, institutions and markets including financial reporting, auditing,
accounting rules, corporate governance and other company law matters specifically concerning financial services.
VII. Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
Committee responsible for:
1. employment policy and all aspects of social policy such as working conditions, social security and social protection;
2. health and safety measures at the workplace;
3. the European Social Fund;
4. vocational training policy, including professional qualifications;
5. the free movement of workers and pensioners;
6. social dialogue;
7. all forms of discrimination at the workplace and in the labour market except those based on sex;
8. relations with:
— the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop),
— the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions,
— the European Training Foundation,
— the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work,
as well as relations with other relevant EU bodies and international organisations.
VIII. Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
Committee responsible for:
1. environmental policy and environmental protection measures, in particular concerning:
(a) air, soil and water pollution, waste management and recycling, dangerous substances and preparations, noise levels,
climate change, protection of biodiversity;
(b) sustainable development;
(c) international and regional measures and agreements aimed at protecting the environment;
(d) restoration of environmental damage;
(e) civil protection;
(f) the European Environment Agency;
(g) the European Chemicals Agency;
2. public health, in particular:
(a) programmes and specific actions in the field of public health;
(b) pharmaceutical and cosmetic products;
(c) health aspects of bioterrorism;
(d) the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control;

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3. food safety issues, in particular:
(a) the labelling and safety of foodstuffs;
(b) veterinary legislation concerning protection against risks to human health; public health checks on foodstuffs and
food production systems;
(c) the European Food Safety Authority and the European Food and Veterinary Office.
IX. Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Committee responsible for:
1. the Union’s industrial policy and the application of new technologies, including measures relating to SMEs;
2. the Union’s research policy, including the dissemination and exploitation of research findings;
3. space policy;
4. the activities of the Joint Research Centre and the Central Office for Nuclear Measurements, as well as JET, ITER and
other projects in the same area;
5. Union measures relating to energy policy in general, the security of energy supply and energy efficiency including the
establishment and development of trans-European networks in the energy infrastructure sector;
6. the Euratom Treaty and Euratom Supply Agency; nuclear safety, decommissioning and waste disposal in the nuclear
sector;
7. the information society and information technology, including the establishment and development of trans-European
networks in the telecommunication infrastructure sector.
X. Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
Committee responsible for:
1. coordination at Union level of national legislation in the sphere of the internal market and for the customs union, in
particular:
(a) the free movement of goods including the harmonisation of technical standards;
(b) the right of establishment;
(c) the freedom to provide services except in the financial and postal sectors;
2. measures aiming at the identification and removal of potential obstacles to the functioning of the internal market;
3. the promotion and protection of the economic interests of consumers, except for public health and food safety issues,
in the context of the establishment of the internal market.
XI. Committee on Transport and Tourism
Committee responsible for:
1. matters relating to the development of a common policy for rail, road, inland waterway, maritime and air transport, in
particular:
(a) common rules applicable to transport within the European Union;
(b) the establishment and development of trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure;
(c) the provision of transport services and relations in the field of transport with third countries;
(d) transport safety;
(e) relations with international transport bodies and organisations;
2. postal services;
3. tourism.

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XII. Committee on Regional Development
Committee responsible for:
regional and cohesion policy, in particular:
(a) the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the other instruments of the Union’s regional
policy;
(b) assessing the impact of other Union policies on economic and social cohesion;
(c) coordination of the Union’s structural instruments;
(d) outermost regions and islands as well as trans-frontier and interregional cooperation;
(e) relations with the Committee of the Regions, interregional cooperation organisations and local and regional
authorities.
XIII. Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
Committee responsible for:
1. the operation and development of the common agricultural policy;
2. rural development, including the activities of the relevant financial instruments;
3. legislation on:
(a) veterinary and plant-health matters, animal feedingstuffs provided such measures are not intended to protect
against risks to human health;
(b) animal husbandry and welfare;
4. the improvement of the quality of agricultural products;
5. supplies of agricultural raw materials;
6. the Community Plant Variety Office;
7. forestry.
XIV. Committee on Fisheries
Committee responsible for:
1. the operation and development of the common fisheries policy and its management;
2. the conservation of fishery resources;
3. the common organisation of the market in fishery products;
4. structural policy in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, including the financial instruments for fisheries guidance;
5. international fisheries agreements.
XV. Committee on Culture and Education
Committee responsible for:
1. the cultural aspects of the European Union, and in particular:
(a) improving the knowledge and dissemination of culture;
(b) the protection and promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity;
(c) the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage, cultural exchanges and artistic creation;
2. the Union’s education policy, including the European higher education area, the promotion of the system of European
schools and lifelong learning;
3. audiovisual policy and the cultural and educational aspects of the information society;
4. youth policy and the development of a sports and leisure policy;

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5. information and media policy;
6. cooperation with third countries in the areas of culture and education and relations with the relevant international
organisations and institutions.
XVI. Committee on Legal Affairs
Committee responsible for:
1. the interpretation and application of Union law and compliance of Union acts with primary law, notably the choice
of legal bases and respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality;
2. the interpretation and application of international law, in so far as the European Union is affected;
3. the simplification of Union law, in particular legislative proposals for its official codification;
4. the legal protection of Parliament’s rights and prerogatives, including its involvement in actions before the Court of
Justice of the European Union;
5. Union acts which affect the Member States’ legal order, namely in the fields of:
(a) civil and commercial law;
(b) company law;
(c) intellectual property law;
(d) procedural law;
6. measures concerning judicial and administrative cooperation in civil matters;
7. environmental liability and sanctions against environmental crime;
8. ethical questions related to new technologies, applying the procedure with associated committees with the relevant
committees;
9. the Statute for Members and the Staff Regulations of the European Union;
10. privileges and immunities as well as verification of Members’ credentials;
11. the organisation and statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union;
12. the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market.
XVII. Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
Committee responsible for:
1. the protection within the territory of the Union of citizens’ rights, human rights and fundamental rights, including the
protection of minorities, as laid down in the Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
2. the measures needed to combat all forms of discrimination other than those based on sex or those occurring at the
workplace and in the labour market;
3. legislation in the areas of transparency and of the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of
personal data;
4. the establishment and development of an area of freedom, security and justice, in particular:
(a) measures concerning the entry and movement of persons, asylum and migration;
(b) measures concerning an integrated management of the common borders;
(c) measures relating to police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters;

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5. the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and the European Union Agency for Fundamental
Rights, Europol, Eurojust, Cepol and other bodies and agencies in the same area;
6. the determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by a Member State of the principles common to the Member
States.
XVIII. Committee on Constitutional Affairs
Committee responsible for:
1. the institutional aspects of the European integration process, in particular in the framework of the preparation and
proceedings of conventions and intergovernmental conferences;
2. the implementation of the EU Treaty and the assessment of its operation;
3. the institutional consequences of enlargement negotiations of the Union;
4. interinstitutional relations, including, in view of their approval by Parliament, examination of interinstitutional
agreements pursuant to Rule 127(2) of the Rules of Procedure;
5. uniform electoral procedure;
6. political parties at European level, without prejudice to the competences of the Bureau;
7. the determination of the existence of a serious and persistent breach by a Member State of the principles common to
the Member States;
8. the interpretation and application of the Rules of Procedure and proposals for amendments thereto.
XIX. Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
Committee responsible for:
1. the definition, promotion and protection of women’s rights in the Union and related Union measures;
2. the promotion of women’s rights in third countries;
3. equal opportunities policy, including equality between men and women with regard to labour market opportunities
and treatment at work;
4. the removal of all forms of discrimination based on sex;
5. the implementation and further development of gender mainstreaming in all policy sectors;
6. the follow-up and implementation of international agreements and conventions involving the rights of women;
7. information policy on women.
XX. Committee on Petitions
Committee responsible for:
1. petitions;
2. relations with the European Ombudsman.

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ANNEX VIII
CONFIDENTIAL AND SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
A. Consideration of confidential documents communicated to Parliament
Procedure for the consideration of confidential documents communicated to the European Parliament ( 1 )
1. Confidential documents shall mean documents and information to which public access may be refused in
accordance with Article 4 of European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 and shall include
sensitive documents as defined in Article 9 of that Regulation.
Where the confidential nature of documents received by Parliament is questioned by one of the institutions, the matter
shall be referred to the interinstitutional committee established pursuant to Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No
1049/2001.
When confidential documents are communicated to Parliament under cover of confidentiality, the chair of Parliament’s
committee responsible shall automatically apply the confidential procedure laid down in paragraph 3 below.
2. Any committee of the European Parliament shall be entitled to apply the confidential procedure to an item of
information or a document indicated by one of its members in a written or oral request. A majority of two thirds of the
members present shall be required for a decision to apply the confidential procedure.
3. Once
the
chair
of
the
committee
has
declared
that
proceedings
are
confidential,
they
may
be
attended
only
by
members of the committee and by officials and experts who have been designated in advance by the chair and whose
presence is strictly necessary.
The documents, which shall be numbered, shall be distributed at the beginning of the meeting and collected again at the
end. No notes of these, and certainly no photocopies, may be taken.
The minutes of the meeting shall make no mention of the discussion of the item taken under the confidential procedure.
Only the relevant decision, if any, may be recorded.
4. Three members of a committee which has applied the confidential procedure may request consideration of a breach
of confidentiality, and this may be placed on the agenda. By a majority of its members, the committee may decide that
consideration of the breach of confidentiality shall be placed on the agenda for the first meeting following the submission
of the request to its chair.
5.
Penalties: in cases of infringement, the chair of the committee shall proceed in accordance with Rules 9(2), 152, 153
and 154.
B. Access by Parliament to sensitive information in the field of security and defence policy
Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 November 2002 between the European Parliament and the Council concerning access
by the European Parliament to sensitive information of the Council in the field of security and defence policy ( 2 )
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL,
Whereas:
(1)
Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union states that the Council Presidency shall consult the European
Parliament on the main aspects and the basic choices of the common foreign and security policy and shall
ensure that the views of the European Parliament are duly taken into consideration. That Article also stipulates
that the European Parliament shall be kept regularly informed by the Council Presidency and the Commission of
the development of the common foreign and security policy. A mechanism should be introduced to ensure that
these principles are implemented in this field.
( 1 ) Adopted by decision of Parliament of 15 February 1989 and amended by its decision of 13 November 2001.
( 2 ) OJ C 298, 30.11.2002, p. 1.

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(2)
In view of the specific nature and the especially sensitive content of certain highly classified information in the
field of security and defence policy, special arrangements should be introduced for the handling of documents
containing such information.
(3)
In conformity with Article 9(7) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents ( 1 ), the
Council is to inform the European Parliament regarding sensitive documents as defined in Article 9(1) of that
Regulation in accordance with arrangements agreed between the institutions.
(4) In
most
Member
States
there
are
specific
mechanisms
for
the
transmission
and
handling
of
classified
information
between national governments and parliaments. This Interinstitutional Agreement should provide the European
Parliament with treatment inspired by best practices in Member States,
HAVE CONCLUDED THIS INTERINSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENT:
1. Scope
1.1. This Interinstitutional Agreement deals with access by the European Parliament to sensitive information, i.e.
information classified as ‘TRS SECRET/TOP SECRET’, ‘SECRET’ or ‘CONFIDENTIAL’, whatever its origin, medium
or state of completion, held by the Council in the field of security and defence policy and the handling of documents
so classified.
1.2. Information originating from a third State or international organisation shall be transmitted with the agreement of
that State or organisation.
Where information originating from a Member State is transmitted to the Council without explicit restriction on its
dissemination to other institutions other than its classification, the rules in sections 2 and 3 of this Interinstitutional
Agreement shall apply. Otherwise, such information shall be transmitted with the agreement of the Member State in
question.
In the case of a refusal of the transmission of information originating from a third State, an international organi
sation or a Member State, the Council shall give the reasons.
1.3. The provisions of this Interinstitutional Agreement shall apply in accordance with applicable law and without
prejudice to 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 ( 2 )
and without prejudice to existing arrangements, especially the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999 between
the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and improvement of the
budgetary procedure ( 3 ).
2. General
rules
2.1. The two institutions shall act in accordance with their mutual duties of sincere cooperation and in a spirit of mutual
trust as well as in conformity with the relevant Treaty provisions. Transmission and handling of the information
covered by this Interinstitutional Agreement must have due regard for the interests which classification is designed to
protect, and in particular the public interest as regards the security and defence of the European Union or of one or
more of its Member States or military and non-military crisis management.
2.2. At the request of one of the persons referred to in point 3.1, the Presidency of the Council or the Secretary-
General/High Representative shall inform them with all due despatch of the content of any sensitive information
required for the exercise of the powers conferred on the European Parliament by the Treaty on European Union in
the field covered by this Interinstitutional Agreement, taking into account the public interest in matters relating to
the security and defence of the European Union or of one or more of its Member States or military and non-military
crisis management, in accordance with the arrangements laid down in section 3.
3. Arrangements
for
access
to
and
handling
of
sensitive
information
3.1. In the context of this Interinstitutional Agreement, the President of the European Parliament or the Chairman of the
European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy may
request that the Presidency of the Council or the Secretary-General/High Representative convey information to this
committee on developments in European security and defence policy, including sensitive information to which point
3.3 applies.
( 1 ) OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.
( 2 ) OJ L 113, 19.5.1995, p. 1.
( 3 ) OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p. 1.

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3.2. In the event of a crisis or at the request of the President of the European Parliament or of the Chairman of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy, such information shall be
provided at the earliest opportunity.
3.3. In this framework, the President of the European Parliament and a special committee chaired by the Chairman of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy and composed of four
members designated by the Conference of Presidents shall be informed by the Presidency of the Council or the
Secretary-General/High Representative of the content of the sensitive information where it is required for the exercise
of the powers conferred on the European Parliament by the Treaty on European Union in the field covered by this
Interinstitutional Agreement. The President of the European Parliament and the special committee may ask to
consult the documents in question on the premises of the Council.
Where this is appropriate and possible in the light of the nature and content of the information or documents
concerned, these shall be made available to the President of the European Parliament, who shall select one of the
following options:
(a) information intended for the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security
and Defence Policy;
(b) access to information restricted to the members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common
Security and Defence Policy only;
(c) discussion in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy, meeting
in camera, in accordance with arrangements which may vary by virtue of the degree of confidentiality involved;
(d) communication of documents from which information has been expunged in the light of the degree of secrecy
required.
These options are not applicable if sensitive information is classified as ‘TRS SECRET/TOP SECRET’.
As to information or documents classified as ‘SECRET’ or ‘CONFIDENTIAL’, the selection by the President of the
European Parliament of one of these options shall be previously agreed with the Council.
The information or documents in question shall not be published or forwarded to any other addressee.
4. Final
provisions
4.1. The European Parliament and the Council, each for its own part, shall take all necessary measures to ensure the
implementation of this Interinstitutional Agreement, including the steps required for the security clearance of the
persons involved.
4.2. The two institutions are willing to discuss comparable Interinstitutional Agreements covering classified information
in other areas of the Council’s activities, on the understanding that the provisions of this Interinstitutional Agreement
do not constitute a precedent for the Union’s or the Community’s other areas of activity and shall not affect the
substance of any other Interinstitutional Agreements.
4.3. This Interinstitutional Agreement shall be reviewed after 2 years at the request of either of the two institutions in the
light of experience gained in implementing it.
ANNEX
This Interinstitutional Agreement shall be implemented in conformity with the relevant applicable regulations and in
particular with the principle according to which the consent of the originator is a necessary condition for the trans
mission of classified information as laid down in point 1.2.
Consultation of sensitive documents by the members of the Special Committee of the European Parliament shall take
place in a secured room at the Council premises.
This Interinstitutional Agreement shall enter into force after the European Parliament has adopted internal security
measures which are in accordance with the principles laid down in point 2.1 and comparable to those of the other
institutions in order to guarantee an equivalent level of protection of the sensitive information concerned.

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C. Implementation of the Interinstitutional Agreement governing Parliament access to sensitive information in
the sphere of security and defence policy
European Parliament decision of 23 October 2002 on the implementation of the Interinstitutional Agreement governing
European Parliament access to sensitive Council information in the sphere of security and defence policy ( 1 )
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,
having regard to Article 9, and in particular paragraphs 6 and 7 thereof, of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and
Commission documents ( 2 ),
having regard to point 1 of Annex VII ( 3 ), part A of its Rules of Procedure,
having regard to Article 20 of the Bureau Decision of 28 November 2001 on public access to Parliament documents ( 4 ),
having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on European
Parliament access to sensitive Council information in the sphere of security and defence policy,
having regard to the Bureau proposal,
having regard to the specific nature and the particularly sensitive substance of some highly confidential items of
information in the sphere of security and defence policy,
whereas, in accordance with the provisions agreed between the institutions, the Council is required to make information
about sensitive documents available to Parliament,
whereas the Members of the European Parliament who sit on the special committee set up by the Interinstitutional
Agreement must be cleared for access to sensitive information in accordance with the ‘need-to-know’ principle,
having regard to the need to lay down specific arrangements for receiving, dealing with and safeguarding sensitive
information forwarded by the Council, Member States, third States or international organisations,
HAS DECIDED:
Article 1
This Decision adopts the additional measures required to implement the Interinstitutional Agreement governing European
Parliament access to sensitive Council information in the sphere of security and defence policy.
Article 2
Parliament’s requests for access to sensitive Council information shall be dealt with by the latter in a manner consistent
with its relevant rules. If the documents requested have been drawn up by other institutions, Member States, third
countries or international organisations, they shall be forwarded only with the agreement of the institutions, States or
organisations concerned.
Article 3
The President of Parliament shall be responsible for the implementation of the Interinstitutional Agreement within the
institution.
In that connection, he/she shall take all the measures required to guarantee that information received directly from the
President of the Council or the Secretary-General/High Representative, or information obtained in the course of the
consultation of sensitive documents on the Council’s premises, is dealt with in a confidential manner.
( 1 ) OJ C 298, 30.11.2002, p. 4.
( 2 ) OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.
( 3 ) Now Annex VIII.
( 4 ) OJ C 374, 29.12.2001, p. 1.

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Article 4
When the President of Parliament or the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common
Security and Defence Policy asks the Council Presidency or the Secretary-General/High Representative to supply
sensitive information to the special committee set up by the Interinstitutional Agreement, that information shall be
provided as soon as possible. In that connection, Parliament shall fit out a room specially designed for the holding of
meetings to deal with sensitive information. The room shall be chosen with a view to guaranteeing a level of protection
equivalent to that laid down for this type of meeting by Council Decision 2001/264/EC of 19 March 2001 ( 1 ) adopting
the Council’s security regulations.
Article 5
The information meeting chaired by the President of Parliament or by the chairman of the abovementioned committee
shall be held in camera.
With the exception of the four Members appointed by the Conference of Presidents, only those officials who, by virtue of
their duties or in accordance with operational requirements, have been cleared and authorised to enter it subject to the
‘need-to-know’ principle shall have access to the meeting room.
Article 6
Pursuant to paragraph 3.3 of the abovementioned Interinstitutional Agreement, when the President of Parliament or the
chairman of the abovementioned committee decides to request authorisation to consult documents containing sensitive
information, that consultation shall be carried out on the Council’s premises.
Documents shall be consulted on the spot in whatever version they are available.
Article 7
The Members of Parliament who are to attend information meetings or have access to sensitive documents shall be the
subject of a clearance procedure similar to that undergone by Members of the Council and Members of the Commission.
In that connection, the President of Parliament shall take the requisite steps vis-à-vis the competent national authorities.
Article 8
Officials who are to have access to sensitive information shall be cleared in accordance with the provisions laid down for
the other institutions. Officials cleared in this way subject to the ‘need-to-know’ principle shall be invited to attend the
abovementioned information meetings or to peruse the documents in question. In that connection, the Secretary-General,
after consulting the competent Member State authorities, shall grant clearance on the basis of the security inquiry carried
out by those same authorities.
Article 9
The information obtained at such meetings or during the consultation of such documents on the Council’s premises shall
not be disclosed, disseminated or reproduced, either in full or in part, in any form. By the same token, no recording of
particulars relating to the sensitive information provided by the Council shall be authorised.
Article 10
The Members of Parliament designated by the Conference of Presidents to have access to the sensitive information shall
be bound by the requirement to maintain confidentiality. Any Member who breaches that requirement shall be replaced
on the special committee by another Member designated by the Conference of Presidents. In that connection, the Member
guilty of a breach of the requirement may, prior to his/her exclusion from the special committee, be heard by the
Conference of Presidents, which shall hold a special meeting in camera. In addition to his/her exclusion from the special
committee, the Member responsible for leaking information may, if appropriate, be the subject of judicial proceedings
pursuant to the relevant legislation in force.
Article 11
Officials duly cleared to have access to sensitive information in accordance with the ‘need-to-know’ principle shall be
bound by the requirement to maintain confidentiality. Any official who breaches that rule shall be the subject of an
inquiry conducted under the authority of the President and, if appropriate, disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the
Staff Regulations (statut des fonctionnaires). Should judicial proceedings be initiated, the President shall take all the measures
required to enable the competent national authorities to implement the appropriate procedures.
Article 12
The Bureau shall be competent to undertake any revision, amendment or interpretation necessitated by the implemen
tation of this Decision.
( 1 ) OJ L 101, 11.4.2001, p. 1.

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Article 13
This Decision shall be annexed to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure and shall enter into force on the day of its publication
in the Official Journal of the European Union.
D. Personal conflicts of interest
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 having heard 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, which must include reasons, against such a decision within 1 month of notification thereof. Parliament
shall reach a decision on the appeal without debate during the part-session that follows its being lodged.

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ANNEX IX
DETAILED PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE EXERCISE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT’S RIGHT OF
INQUIRY
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 ( 1 )
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL AND THE COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, and in particular Article 20b thereof,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 193 thereof,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 107b thereof,
Whereas the detailed provisions governing the exercise of the European Parliament’s right of inquiry should be
determined with due regard for the provisions laid down by the Treaties establishing the European Communities;
Whereas temporary committees of inquiry must have the means necessary to perform their duties; whereas, to that end, it
is essential that the Member States and the institutions and bodies of the European Communities take all steps to facilitate
the performance of those duties;
Whereas the secrecy and confidentiality of the proceedings of temporary committees of inquiry must be protected;
Whereas, at the request of one of the three institutions concerned, the detailed provisions governing the exercise of the
right of inquiry may be revised as from the end of the current term of the European Parliament in the light of experience,
HAVE BY COMMON ACCORD ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The detailed provisions governing the exercise of the European Parliament’s right of inquiry shall be as laid down by this
Decision, in accordance with Article 20b of the ECSC Treaty, Article 193 of the EC Treaty and Article 107b of the EAEC
Treaty.
Article 2
1. Subject to the conditions and limits laid down by the Treaties referred to in Article 1 and in the course of its duties,
the European Parliament may, at the request of one quarter of its Members, set up a temporary committee of inquiry to
investigate alleged contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Community law which would appear to
be the act of an institution or a body of the European Communities, of a public administrative body of a Member State or
of persons empowered by Community law to implement that law.
The European Parliament shall determine the composition and rules of procedure of temporary committees of inquiry.
The decision to set up a temporary committee of inquiry, specifying in particular its purpose and the time limit for
submission of its report, shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
2. The temporary committee of inquiry shall carry out its duties in compliance with the powers conferred by the
Treaties on the institutions and bodies of the European Communities.
The members of the temporary committee of inquiry and any other persons who, by reason of their duties, have become
acquainted with facts, information, knowledge, documents or objects in respect of which secrecy must be observed
pursuant to provisions adopted by a Member State or by a Community institution shall be required, even after their duties
have ceased, to keep them secret from any unauthorised person and from the public.
Hearings and testimony shall take place in public. Proceedings shall take place in camera if requested by one quarter of
the members of the committee of inquiry, or by the Community or national authorities, or where the temporary
committee of inquiry is considering secret information. Witnesses and experts shall have the right to make a
statement or provide testimony in camera.
3. A temporary committee of inquiry may not investigate matters at issue before a national or Community court of
law until such time as the legal proceedings have been completed.
( 1 ) OJ L 113, 19.5.1995, p. 1.

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Within a period of 2 months either of publication in accordance with paragraph 1 or of the Commission being informed
of an allegation made before a temporary committee of inquiry of a contravention of Community law by a Member State,
the Commission may notify the European Parliament that a matter to be examined by a temporary committee of inquiry
is the subject of a Community prelitigation procedure; in such cases the temporary committee of inquiry shall take all
necessary steps to enable the Commission fully to exercise the powers conferred on it by the Treaties.
4. The temporary committee of inquiry shall cease to exist on the submission of its report within the time limit laid
down when it was set up, or at the latest upon expiry of a period not exceeding 12 months from the date when it was set
up, and in any event at the close of the parliamentary term.
By means of a reasoned decision the European Parliament may twice extend the 12-month period by 3 months. Such a
decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
5. A
temporary
committee
of
inquiry
may
not
be
set
up
or
re-established
with
regard
to
matters
into
which
an
inquiry
has already been held by a temporary committee of inquiry until at least 12 months have elapsed since the submission of
the report on that inquiry or the end of its assignment and unless any new facts have emerged.
Article 3
1. The
temporary
committee
of
inquiry
shall
carry
out
the
inquiries
necessary
to
verify
alleged
contraventions
or
maladministration in the implementation of Community law under the conditions laid down below.
2. The temporary committee of inquiry may invite an institution or a body of the European Communities or the
Government of a Member State to designate one of its members to take part in its proceedings.
3. On a reasoned request from the temporary committee of inquiry, the Member States concerned and the institutions
or bodies of the European Communities shall designate the official or servant whom they authorise to appear before the
temporary committee of inquiry, unless grounds of secrecy or public or national security dictate otherwise by virtue of
national or Community legislation.
The officials or servants in question shall speak on behalf of and as instructed by their Governments or institutions. They
shall continue to be bound by the obligations arising from the rules to which they are subject.
4. The authorities of the Member States and the institutions or bodies of the European Communities shall provide a
temporary committee of inquiry, where it so requests or on their own initiative, with the documents necessary for the
performance of its duties, save where prevented from doing so by reasons of secrecy or public or national security arising
out of national or Community legislation or rules.
5. Paragraphs
3
and
4
shall
be
without
prejudice
to
any
other
provisions
of
the
Member
States
which
prohibit
officials
from appearing or documents from being forwarded.
An obstacle arising from reasons of secrecy, public or national security or the provisions referred to in the first
subparagraph shall be notified to the European Parliament by a representative authorised to commit the Government
of the Member State concerned or the institution.
6. Institutions or bodies of the European Communities shall not supply the temporary committee of inquiry with
documents originating in a Member State without first informing the State concerned.
They shall not communicate to the temporary committee of inquiry any documents to which paragraph 5 applies
without first obtaining the consent of the Member State concerned.
7. Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 shall apply to natural or legal persons empowered by Community law to implement that law.
8. In so far as is necessary for the performance of its duties, the temporary committee of inquiry may request any
other person to give evidence before it. The temporary committee of inquiry shall inform any person named in the course
of an inquiry to whom this might prove prejudicial; it shall hear such a person if that person so requests.
Article 4
1. The information obtained by the temporary committee of inquiry shall be used solely for the performance of its
duties. It may not be made public if it contains material of a secret or confidential nature or names persons.

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The European Parliament shall adopt the administrative measures and procedural rules required to protect the secrecy and
confidentiality of the proceedings of temporary committees of inquiry.
2. The temporary committee of inquiry’s report shall be submitted to the European Parliament, which may decide to
make it public subject to the provisions of paragraph 1.
3.
The European Parliament may forward to the institutions or bodies of the European Communities or to the Member
States any recommendations which it adopts on the basis of the temporary committee of inquiry’s report. They shall draw
therefrom the conclusions which they deem appropriate.
Article 5
Any communication addressed to the national authorities of the Member States for the purposes of applying this Decision
shall be made through their Permanent Representations to the European Union.
Article 6
At the request of the European Parliament, the Council or the Commission, the above rules may be revised as from the
end of the current term of the European Parliament in the light of experience.
Article 7
This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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ANNEX X
PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE APPLICATION OF RULE 9(4) — LOBBYING IN PARLIAMENT
Article 1
Passes
1. The pass shall consist of a plastic card bearing a photograph of the holder, indicating the holder’s surname and
forenames and the name of the firm, organisation or person for whom the holder works.
Pass-holders shall at all times wear their pass visibly on all Parliament premises. Failure to do so may lead to its
withdrawal.
Passes shall be distinguished by their shape and colour from the passes issued to occasional visitors.
2. Passes shall only be renewed if the holders have fulfilled the obligations referred to in Rule 9(4).
Any dispute by a Member as to the activity of a representative or lobby shall be referred to the Quaestors, who shall look
into the matter and may decide whether to maintain or withdraw the pass concerned.
3. Passes
shall
not,
under
any
circumstances,
entitle
holders
to
attend
meetings
of
Parliament
or
its
bodies
other
than
those declared open to the public and shall not, in this case, entitle the holder to derogations from access rules applicable
to all other Union citizens.
Article 2
Assistants
1. At the beginning of each parliamentary term the Quaestors shall determine the maximum number of assistants who
may be registered by each Member.
Upon taking up their duties, registered assistants shall make a written declaration of their professional activities and any
other remunerated functions or activities.
2. They shall have access to Parliament under the same conditions as staff of the Secretariat or the political groups.
3. All
other
persons,
including
those
working
directly
with
Members,
shall
only
have
access
to
Parliament
under
the
conditions laid down in Rule 9(4).
Article 3
Code of conduct
1. In the context of their relations with Parliament, the persons whose names appear in the register provided for in
Rule 9(4) shall:
(a) comply with the provisions of Rule 9 and this Annex;
(b) state the interest or interests they represent in contacts with Members of Parliament, their staff or officials of
Parliament;
(c) refrain from any action designed to obtain information dishonestly;
(d) not claim any formal relationship with Parliament in any dealings with third parties;
(e) not circulate for a profit to third parties copies of documents obtained from Parliament;
(f) comply strictly with the provisions of Annex I, Article 2, second paragraph;
(g) satisfy themselves that any assistance provided in accordance with the provisions of Annex I, Article 2 is declared in
the appropriate register;
(h) comply with the provisions of the Staff Regulations when recruiting former officials of the institutions;
(i) comply with any rules laid down by Parliament on the rights and responsibilities of former Members;
(j) in order to avoid possible conflicts of interest, obtain the prior consent of the Member or Members concerned as
regards any contractual relationship with or employment of a Member’s assistant, and subsequently satisfy themselves
that this is declared in the register provided for in Rule 9(4).
2. Any breach of this Code of Conduct may lead to the withdrawal of the pass issued to the persons concerned and, if
appropriate, their firms.

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ANNEX XI
PERFORMANCE OF THE OMBUDSMAN’S DUTIES
A. Decision of the European Parliament on the regulations and general conditions governing the performance of
the Ombudsman’s duties ( 1 )
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,
Having regard to the Treaties establishing the European Communities, and in particular Article 195(4) of the Treaty
establishing the European Community and Article 107d(4) of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy
Community,
Having regard to the opinion of the Commission,
Having regard to the Council’s approval,
Whereas the regulations and general conditions governing the performance of the Ombudsman’s duties should be laid
down, in compliance with the provisions of the Treaties establishing the European Communities;
Whereas the conditions under which a complaint may be referred to the Ombudsman should be established as well as the
relationship between the performance of the duties of Ombudsman and legal or administrative proceedings;
Whereas the Ombudsman, who may also act on his own initiative, must have access to all the elements required for the
performance of his duties; whereas to that end Community institutions and bodies are obliged to supply the
Ombudsman, at his request, with any information which he requests of them and without prejudice to the Ombudsman’s
obligation not to divulge such information; whereas access to classified information or documents, in particular to
sensitive documents within the meaning of Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 ( 2 ), should be subject to
compliance with the rules on security of the Community institution or body concerned; whereas the institutions or
bodies supplying classified information or documents as mentioned in the first subparagraph of Article 3(2) should
inform the Ombudsman of such classification; whereas for the implementation of the rules provided for in the first
subparagraph of Article 3(2), the Ombudsman should have agreed in advance with the institution or body concerned the
conditions for treatment of classified information or documents and other information covered by the obligation of
professional secrecy; whereas if the Ombudsman finds that the assistance requested is not forthcoming, he shall inform
the European Parliament, which shall make appropriate representations;
Whereas it is necessary to lay down the procedures to be followed where the Ombudsman’s enquiries reveal cases of
maladministration; whereas provision should also be made for the submission of a comprehensive report by the
Ombudsman to the European Parliament at the end of each annual session;
Whereas the Ombudsman and his staff are obliged to treat in confidence any information which they have acquired in
the course of their duties; whereas the Ombudsman is, however, obliged to inform the competent authorities of facts
which he considers might relate to criminal law and which have come to his attention in the course of his enquiries;
Whereas provision should be made for the possibility of co-operation between the Ombudsman and authorities of the
same type in certain Member States, in compliance with the national laws applicable;
Whereas it is for the European Parliament to appoint the Ombudsman at the beginning of its mandate and for the
duration thereof, choosing him from among persons who are Union citizens and offer every requisite guarantee of
independence and competence;
Whereas conditions should be laid down for the cessation of the Ombudsman’s duties;
Whereas the Ombudsman must perform his duties with complete independence and give a solemn undertaking before
the Court of Justice of the European Communities that he will do so when taking up his duties; whereas activities
incompatible with the duties of Ombudsman should be laid down as should the remuneration, privileges and immunities
of the Ombudsman;
( 1 ) Adopted by Parliament on 9 March 1994 (OJ L 113, 4.5.1994, p. 15) and amended by its decisions of 14 March 2002 (OJ L 92,
9.4.2002, p. 13) and 18 June 2008 (OJ L 189, 17.7.2008, p. 25).
( 2 ) Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European
Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43).

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Whereas provisions should be laid down regarding the officials and servants of the Ombudsman’s secretariat which will
assist him and the budget thereof; whereas the seat of the Ombudsman should be that of the European Parliament;
Whereas it is for the Ombudsman to adopt the implementing provisions for this Decision; whereas furthermore certain
transitional provisions should be laid down for the first Ombudsman to be appointed after the entry into force of the EU
Treaty,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
1.
The regulations and general conditions governing the performance of the Ombudsman’s duties shall be as laid down
by this Decision in accordance with Article 195(4) of the Treaty establishing the European Community and
Article 107d(4) of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community.
2. The Ombudsman shall perform his duties in accordance with the powers conferred on the Community institutions
and bodies by the Treaties.
3. The
Ombudsman
may
not
intervene
in
cases
before
courts
or
question
the
soundness
of
a
court’s
ruling.
Article 2
1. Within the framework of the aforementioned Treaties and the conditions laid down therein, the Ombudsman shall
help to uncover maladministration in the activities of the Community institutions and bodies, with the exception of the
Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance acting in their judicial role, and make recommendations with a view to
putting an end to it. No action by any other authority or person may be the subject of a complaint to the Ombudsman.
2. Any citizen of the Union or any natural or legal person residing or having his registered office in a Member State of
the Union may, directly or through a Member of the European Parliament, refer a complaint to the Ombudsman in
respect of an instance of maladministration in the activities of Community institutions or bodies, with the exception of
the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance acting in their judicial role. The Ombudsman shall inform the
institution or body concerned as soon as a complaint is referred to him.
3. The complaint must allow the person lodging the complaint and the object of the complaint to be identified; the
person lodging the complaint may request that his complaint remain confidential.
4. A complaint shall be made within 2 years of the date on which the facts on which it is based came to the attention
of the person lodging the complaint and must be preceded by the appropriate administrative approaches to the
institutions and bodies concerned.
5. The Ombudsman may advise the person lodging the complaint to address it to another authority.
6. Complaints submitted to the Ombudsman shall not affect time limits for appeals in administrative or judicial
proceedings.
7. When the Ombudsman, because of legal proceedings in progress or concluded concerning the facts which have
been put forward, has to declare a complaint inadmissible or terminate consideration of it, the outcome of any enquiries
he has carried out up to that point shall be filed definitively.
8. No complaint may be made to the Ombudsman that concerns work relationships between the Community
institutions and bodies and their officials and other servants unless all the possibilities for the submission of internal
administrative requests and complaints, in particular the procedures referred to in Article 90(1) and (2) of the Staff
Regulations, have been exhausted by the person concerned and the time limits for replies by the authority thus petitioned
have expired.
9. The Ombudsman shall as soon as possible inform the person lodging the complaint of the action he has taken
on it.
Article 3
1. The
Ombudsman
shall,
on
his
own
initiative
or
following
a
complaint,
conduct
all
the
enquiries
which
he
considers
justified to clarify any suspected maladministration in the activities of Community institutions and bodies. He shall inform
the institution or body concerned of such action, which may submit any useful comment to him.
2. The
Community
institutions
and
bodies
shall
be
obliged
to
supply
the
Ombudsman
with
any
information
he
has
requested from them and give him access to the files concerned. Access to classified information or documents, in
particular to sensitive documents within the meaning of Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, shall be subject to
compliance with the rules on security of the Community institution or body concerned.

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The institutions or bodies supplying classified information or documents as mentioned in the previous subparagraph shall
inform the Ombudsman of such classification.
For the implementation of the rules provided for in the first subparagraph, the Ombudsman shall have agreed in advance
with the institution or body concerned the conditions for treatment of classified information or documents and other
information covered by the obligation of professional secrecy.
The institutions or bodies concerned shall give access to documents originating in a Member State and classed as secret
by law or regulation only where that Member State has given its prior agreement.
They shall give access to other documents originating in a Member State after having informed the Member State
concerned.
In both cases, in accordance with Article 4, the Ombudsman may not divulge the content of such documents.
Officials and other servants of Community institutions and bodies must testify at the request of the Ombudsman; they
shall continue to be bound by the relevant rules of the Staff Regulations, notably their duty of professional secrecy.
3. The
Member
States’
authorities
shall
be
obliged
to
provide
the
Ombudsman,
whenever
he
may
so
request,
via
the
Permanent Representations of the Member States to the European Communities, with any information that may help to
clarify instances of maladministration by Community institutions or bodies unless such information is covered by laws or
regulations on secrecy or by provisions preventing its being communicated. Nonetheless, in the latter case, the Member
State concerned may allow the Ombudsman to have this information provided that he undertakes not to divulge it.
4. If the assistance which he requests is not forthcoming, the Ombudsman shall inform the European Parliament,
which shall make appropriate representations.
5. As far as possible, the Ombudsman shall seek a solution with the institution or body concerned to eliminate the
instance of maladministration and satisfy the complaint.
6. If the Ombudsman finds there has been maladministration, he shall inform the institution or body concerned,
where appropriate making draft recommendations. The institution or body so informed shall send the Ombudsman a
detailed opinion within 3 months.
7. The Ombudsman shall then send a report to the European Parliament and to the institution or body concerned. He
may make recommendations in his report. The person lodging the complaint shall be informed by the Ombudsman of
the outcome of the inquiries, of the opinion expressed by the institution or body concerned and of any recommendations
made by the Ombudsman.
8. At the end of each annual session the Ombudsman shall submit to the European Parliament a report on the
outcome of his inquiries.
Article 4
1. The Ombudsman and his staff, to whom Article 287 of the Treaty establishing the European Community and
Article 194 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community shall apply, shall be required not to
divulge information or documents which they obtain in the course of their inquiries. They shall, in particular, be required
not to divulge any classified information or any document supplied to the Ombudsman, in particular sensitive documents
within the meaning of Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, or documents falling within the scope of Community
legislation regarding the protection of personal data, as well as any information which could harm the person lodging the
complaint or any other person involved, without prejudice to paragraph 2.
2. If, in the course of inquiries, he learns of facts which he considers might relate to criminal law, the Ombudsman
shall immediately notify the competent national authorities via the Permanent Representations of the Member States to
the European Communities and, in so far as the case falls within its powers, the competent Community institution, body
or service in charge of combating fraud; if appropriate, the Ombudsman shall also notify the Community institution or
body with authority over the official or servant concerned, which may apply the second paragraph of Article 18 of the
Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities. The Ombudsman may also inform the
Community institution or body concerned of the facts calling into question the conduct of a member of their staff
from a disciplinary point of view.
Article 4a
The Ombudsman and his staff shall deal with requests for public access to documents, other than those referred to in
Article 4(1), in accordance with the conditions and limits provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001.

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Article 5
1. In so far as it may help to make his enquiries more efficient and better safeguard the rights and interests of persons
who make complaints to him, the Ombudsman may cooperate with authorities of the same type in certain Member States
provided he complies with the national law applicable. The Ombudsman may not by this means demand to see
documents to which he would not have access pursuant to Article 3.
2. Within the scope of his functions as laid down in Article 195 of the Treaty establishing the European Community
and Article 107d of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community and avoiding any duplication with
the activities of the other institutions or bodies, the Ombudsman may, under the same conditions, cooperate with
institutions and bodies of Member States in charge of the promotion and protection of fundamental rights.
Article 6
1. The Ombudsman shall be appointed by the European Parliament after each election to the European Parliament for
the duration of its mandate. He shall be eligible for reappointment.
2. The
Ombudsman
shall
be
chosen
from
among
persons
who
are
Union
citizens,
have
full
civil
and
political
rights,
offer every guarantee of independence, and meet the conditions required for the exercise of the highest judicial office in
their country or have the acknowledged competence and experience to undertake the duties of Ombudsman.
Article 7
1. The Ombudsman shall cease to exercise his duties either at the end of his term of office or on his resignation or
dismissal.
2. Save in the event of his dismissal, the Ombudsman shall remain in office until his successor has been appointed.
3. In the event of early cessation of duties, a successor shall be appointed within 3 months of the office’s falling vacant
for the remainder of the parliamentary term.
Article 8
An Ombudsman who no longer fulfils the conditions required for the performance of his duties or is guilty of serious
misconduct may be dismissed by the Court of Justice of the European Communities at the request of the European
Parliament.
Article 9
1. The Ombudsman shall perform his duties with complete independence, in the general interest of the Communities
and of the citizens of the Union. In the performance of his duties he shall neither seek nor accept instructions from any
government or other body. He shall refrain from any act incompatible with the nature of his duties.
2. When taking up his duties, the Ombudsman shall give a solemn undertaking before the Court of Justice of the
European Communities that he will perform his duties with complete independence and impartiality and that during and
after his term of office he will respect the obligations arising therefrom, in particular his duty to behave with integrity and
discretion as regards the acceptance, after he has ceased to hold office, of certain appointments or benefits.
Article 10
1. During his term of office, the Ombudsman may not engage in any political or administrative duties, or any other
occupation, whether gainful or not.
2. The Ombudsman shall have the same rank in terms of remuneration, allowances and pension as a judge at the
Court of Justice of the European Communities.
3. Articles 12 to 15 and Article 18 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities
shall apply to the Ombudsman and to the officials and servants of his secretariat.
Article 11
1. The Ombudsman shall be assisted by a secretariat, the principal officer of which he shall appoint.
2. The
officials
and
servants
of
the
Ombudsman’s
secretariat
shall
be
subject
to
the
rules
and
regulations
applicable
to
officials and other servants of the European Communities. Their number shall be adopted each year as part of the
budgetary procedure.

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3. Officials of the European Communities and of the Member States appointed to the Ombudsman’s secretariat shall
be seconded in the interests of the service and guaranteed automatic reinstatement in their institution of origin.
4.
In matters concerning his staff, the Ombudsman shall have the same status as the institutions within the meaning of
Article 1 of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities.
Article 12
Deleted
Article 13
The seat of the Ombudsman shall be that of the European Parliament.
Article 14
The Ombudsman shall adopt the implementing provisions for this Decision.
Article 15
The first Ombudsman to be appointed after the entry into force of the EU Treaty shall be appointed for the remainder of
the parliamentary term.
Article 16
Deleted
Article 17
This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall enter into force on the date of its
publication.
B. Decision of the European Ombudsman adopting implementing provisions ( 1 )
Article 1
Definitions
In these implementing provisions,
(a) ‘institution concerned’ means the Community institution or body which is the object of a complaint or an own
initiative inquiry;
(b) ‘the Statute’ means the regulations and general conditions governing the performance of the Ombudsman’s duties;
(c) in relation to documents and information, ‘confidential’ means ‘not to be disclosed’.
Article 2
Receipt of complaints
2.1. Complaints
are
identified,
registered
and
numbered
upon
receipt.
2.2. An acknowledgement of receipt is sent to the complainant, quoting the registration number of the complaint and
identifying the legal officer who is dealing with the case.
2.3. A petition transferred to the Ombudsman by the European Parliament with the consent of the petitioner is treated
as a complaint.
2.4. In appropriate cases and with the consent of the complainant, the Ombudsman may transfer a complaint to the
European Parliament to be dealt with as a petition.
2.5. In appropriate cases and with the consent of the complainant, the Ombudsman may transfer a complaint to
another competent authority.
( 1 ) Adopted on 8 July 2002 and amended by decisions of the Ombudsman of 5 April 2004 and 3 December 2008.

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Article 3
Admissibility of complaints
3.1. On the basis of the criteria laid down in the Treaty and the Statute, the Ombudsman determines whether a
complaint is within his mandate and if so, whether it is admissible; he may request the complainant to provide further
information or documents before making the determination.
3.2. If a complaint is outside the mandate, or inadmissible, the Ombudsman closes the file on the complaint. He
informs the complainant of his decision and of the reasons for it. The Ombudsman may advise the complainant to apply
to another authority.
Article 4
Inquiries into admissible complaints
4.1. The
Ombudsman
decides
whether
there
are
sufficient
grounds
to
justify
making
inquiries
into
an
admissible
complaint.
4.2. If he does not find sufficient grounds to justify making inquiries, the Ombudsman closes the file on the complaint
and informs the complainant accordingly. The Ombudsman may also inform the institution concerned.
4.3. If the Ombudsman finds sufficient grounds to justify making inquiries, he informs the complainant and the
institution concerned. He transmits a copy of the complaint to the institution concerned and invites it to submit an
opinion within a specified time that is normally no more than 3 months. The invitation to the institution concerned may
specify particular aspects of the complaint, or specific issues, to which the opinion should be addressed.
4.4. The opinion shall not include any information or documents which the institution concerned regards as confi
dential.
4.5. The institution concerned may request that certain parts of its opinion be disclosed only to the complainant. It
shall clearly identify the parts concerned and shall explain the reason or reasons for its request.
4.6. The Ombudsman sends the opinion of the institution concerned to the complainant. The complainant has the
opportunity to submit observations to the Ombudsman, within a specified time that is normally no more than 1 month.
4.7. If he considers it useful to do so, the Ombudsman makes further inquiries. Points 4.3 to 4.6 apply to further
inquiries, save that the time limit for the institution concerned to reply is normally 1 month.
4.8. Where he considers it appropriate to do so, the Ombudsman may use a simplified procedure, with a view to
achieving a rapid solution.
4.9. When he has completed his inquiries. the Ombudsman closes the case with a reasoned decision and informs the
complainant and the institution concerned.
Article 5
Powers of investigation
5.1. Subject to the conditions laid down in the Statute, the Ombudsman may require Community institutions and
bodies and the authorities of Member States to supply, within a reasonable time, information or documents for the
purposes of an inquiry. They shall clearly identify any information or documents which they regard as confidential.
5.2. The Ombudsman may inspect the file of the institution concerned. The institution concerned shall clearly identify
any documents in the file which it regards as confidential. The Ombudsman may take copies of the whole file or of
specific documents contained in the file. The Ombudsman informs the complainant that an inspection has taken place.
5.3. The Ombudsman may require officials or other servants of Community institutions or bodies to give evidence
under the conditions laid down in the Statute. The Ombudsman may decide that the person giving evidence shall do so in
confidence.
5.4. The Ombudsman may request Community institutions and bodies to make arrangements for him to pursue his
inquiries on the spot.
5.5. The
Ombudsman
may
commission
such
studies
or
expert
reports,
as
he
considers
necessary
to
the
success
of
an
inquiry.

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Article 6
Friendly solutions
6.1. If
the
Ombudsman
finds
maladministration,
as
far
as
possible
he
co-operates
with
the
institution
concerned
in
seeking a friendly solution to eliminate it and to satisfy the complainant.
6.2. If the Ombudsman considers that such cooperation has been successful, he closes the case with a reasoned
decision. He informs the complainant and the institution concerned of the decision.
6.3. If the Ombudsman considers that a friendly solution is not possible, or that the search for a friendly solution has
been unsuccessful, he either closes the case with a reasoned decision that may include a critical remark or makes a report
with draft recommendations.
Article 7
Critical remarks
7.1. The
Ombudsman
makes
a
critical
remark
if
he
considers:
(a) that it is no longer possible for the institution concerned to eliminate the instance of maladministration; and
(b) that the instance of maladministration has no general implications.
7.2. When the Ombudsman closes the case with a critical remark, he informs the complainant and the institution
concerned.
Article 8
Reports and recommendations
8.1. The
Ombudsman
makes
a
report
with
draft
recommendations
to
the
institution
concerned
if
he
considers
either
(a) that it is possible for the institution concerned to eliminate the instance of maladministration; or
(b) that the instance of maladministration has general implications.
8.2. The Ombudsman sends a copy of his report and draft recommendations to the institution concerned and to the
complainant.
8.3. The institution concerned sends the Ombudsman a detailed opinion within 3 months. The detailed opinion could
consist of acceptance of the Ombudsman’s decision and a description of the measures taken to implement the draft
recommendations.
8.4. If
the
Ombudsman
does
not
consider
that
the
detailed
opinion
is
satisfactory
he
may
draw
up
a
special
report
to
the European Parliament in relation to the instance of maladministration. The report may contain recommendations. The
Ombudsman sends a copy of the report to the institution concerned and to the complainant.
Article 9
Own-initiative inquiries
9.1. The
Ombudsman
may
decide
to
undertake
inquiries
on
his
own
initiative.
9.2. The
Ombudsman’s
powers
of
investigation
when
conducting
own
initiative
inquiries
are
the
same
as
in
inquiries
instituted following a complaint.
9.3. The
procedures
followed
in
inquiries
instituted
following
a
complaint
also
apply,
by
analogy,
to
own
initiative
inquiries.
Article 10
Points of procedure
10.1. If the complainant so requests, the Ombudsman classifies a complaint as confidential. If he considers that it is
necessary to protect the interests of the complainant or of a third party, the Ombudsman may classify a complaint as
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10.2. If he considers it appropriate to do so, the Ombudsman may take steps to ensure that a complaint is dealt with
as a matter of priority.
10.3. If legal proceedings are instituted in relation to matters under investigation by the Ombudsman, he closes the
case. The outcome of any inquiries he has carried out up to that point is filed without further action.
10.4. The
Ombudsman
informs
the
relevant
national
authorities
and
if
appropriate,
a
Community
institution
or
body
of such criminal law matters as may come to his notice in the course of an inquiry. The Ombudsman may also inform a
Community institution or body of facts which, in his view, could justify disciplinary proceedings.
Article 11
Reports to the European Parliament
11.1. The
Ombudsman
submits
an
annual
report
to
the
European
Parliament
on
his
activities
as
a
whole,
including
the
outcome of his inquiries.
11.2. As well as special reports made pursuant to Article 8.4 above, the Ombudsman may make such other special
reports to the European Parliament as he thinks appropriate to fulfil his responsibilities under the Treaties and the Statute.
11.3. The
annual
and
special
reports
of
the
Ombudsman
may
contain
such
recommendations
as
he
thinks
appropriate
to fulfil his responsibilities under the Treaties and the Statute.
Article 12
Cooperation with ombudsmen and similar bodies in Member States
The Ombudsman may work in conjunction with ombudsmen and similar bodies in the Member States with a view to
enhancing the effectiveness both of his own inquiries and of those carried out by ombudsmen and similar bodies in the
Member States and of making more effective provision for safeguarding rights and interests under European Union and
European Community law.
Article 13
The complainant’s right to see the file
13.1. The complainant shall be entitled to see the Ombudsman’s file on his or her complaint, subject to Article 13.3
below.
13.2. The complainant may exercise the right to see the file on the spot. He or she may request the Ombudsman to
supply a copy of the whole file, or of specific documents in the file.
13.3. The
complainant
shall
not
have
access
to:
(a) documents or information obtained by virtue of Article 5.1 or 5.2 above which have been identified to the
Ombudsman as confidential;
(b) evidence given in confidence in accordance with Article 5.3 above.
Article 14
Public access to documents held by the Ombudsman
14.1. The
public
shall
have
access
to
documents
held
by
the
Ombudsman,
which
do
not
relate
to
inquiries,
subject
to
the same conditions and limits as those laid down by Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 ( 1 ) for public access to European
Parliament, Council and Commission documents.
14.2. The
public
may
request
access
to
inquiry-related
documents
held
by
the
Ombudsman,
provided
that
the
complaint has not been classified as confidential at the request of the complainant, or by the Ombudsman pursuant
to Article 10.1 above. Access shall not be given to:
(a) documents or information obtained by virtue of Article 5.1 or 5.2 above which have been identified to the
Ombudsman as confidential;
( 1 ) Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European
Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43).

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(b) evidence given in confidence, in accordance with Article 5.3 above;
(c) those parts of its opinion and replies to any further inquiries which, in accordance with Article 4.5 above, the
institution concerned has requested should be disclosed only to the complainant. The applicant shall be informed of
the reason or reasons which the institution concerned has given for its request;
(d) a document the disclosure of which would prejudice the integrity of an on-going inquiry.
14.3. Applications for access to documents shall be made in writing (letter, fax or e-mail) and in a sufficiently precise
manner to enable the document to be identified.
14.4. Access is given on the spot or by providing a copy. The Ombudsman may impose reasonable charges for the
supply of copies. The method of calculation of any charge is explained.
14.5. Decisions
on
applications
for
public
access
are
made
within
15
working
days
from
receipt.
In
exceptional
cases,
the time limit may be extended by 15 working days; the applicant is notified in advance of the extension and detailed
reasons are given.
14.6. If an application for access to a document is refused in whole or in part reasons are given for the refusal.
Article 15
Languages
15.1. A complaint may be submitted to the Ombudsman in any of the Treaty languages. The Ombudsman is not
required to deal with complaints submitted in other languages.
15.2. The language of proceedings conducted by the Ombudsman is one of the Treaty languages; in the case of a
complaint, the language in which it is written.
15.3. The Ombudsman determines which documents are to be drawn up in the language of the proceedings.
Article 16
Publication of reports
16.1. The European Ombudsman shall publish in the Official Journal announcements concerning the adoption of
annual and special reports, making public the means for all interested to have access to the full text of the documents.
16.2. Any
reports
or
summaries
of
the
Ombudsman’s
decisions
concerning
confidential
complaints
are
published
in
a
form that does not allow the complainant to be identified.
Article 17
Entry into force
17.1. The
implementing
provisions
adopted
on
16
October
1997
are
repealed.
17.2. This
decision
shall
come
into
effect
on
1
January
2003.
17.3. The President of the European Parliament shall be informed of the adoption of this decision. An announcement
shall also be published in the Official Journal.

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ANNEX XII
PREVENTION OF FRAUD, CORRUPTION AND ANY ILLEGAL ACTIVITY DETRIMENTAL TO THE
COMMUNITIES’ INTERESTS
European Parliament Decision 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 ( 1 )
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 199 thereof,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, and in particular Article 25 thereof,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 112 thereof,
Having regard to its Rules of Procedure, and in particular Rule 186(c) ( 2 ) thereof,
Whereas:
Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 3 ) and Council Regulation (Euratom) No
1074/1999 ( 4 ) concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office provide that the Office is to
initiate and conduct administrative investigations within the institutions, bodies and offices and agencies established by
or on the basis of the EC Treaty or the Euratom Treaty;
The responsibility of the European Anti-Fraud Office as established by the Commission extends beyond the protection of
financial interests to include all activities relating to the need to safeguard Community interests against irregular conduct
liable to give rise to administrative or criminal proceedings;
The scope of the fight against fraud should be broadened and its effectiveness enhanced by exploiting existing expertise in
the area of administrative investigations;
Therefore, on the basis of their administrative autonomy, all the institutions, bodies and offices and agencies should
entrust to the Office the task of conducting internal administrative investigations with a view to bringing to light serious
situations relating to the discharge of professional duties which may constitute a failure to comply with the obligations of
officials and servants of the Communities, as referred to in Articles 11, 12, second and third paragraphs, 13, 14, 16 and
17, first paragraph, of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the
European Communities (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Staff Regulations’), detrimental to the interests of those Commu
nities and liable to result in disciplinary or, in appropriate cases, criminal proceedings, or serious misconduct, as referred
to in Article 22 of the Staff Regulations, or a failure to comply with the analogous obligations of the Members or staff of
the European Parliament not subject to the Staff Regulations;
Such investigations should be conducted in full compliance with the relevant provisions of the Treaties establishing the
European Communities, in particular the Protocol on privileges and immunities, of the texts implementing them and the
Staff Regulations;
Such investigations should be carried out under equivalent conditions in all the Community institutions, bodies and
offices and agencies; assignment of this task to the Office should not affect the responsibilities of the institutions, bodies,
offices or agencies themselves and should in no way reduce the legal protection of the persons concerned;
Pending the amendment of the Staff Regulations, practical arrangements should be laid down stipulating how the
members of the institutions and bodies, the managers of the offices and agencies and the officials and servants of the
institutions, bodies and offices and agencies are to cooperate in the smooth operation of the internal investigations,
( 1 ) Adopted on 18 November 1999.
( 2 ) Now Rule 215(c).
( 3 ) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.
( 4 ) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 8.

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HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
Duty to cooperate with the Office
The Secretary-General, the services and any official or servant of the European Parliament shall be required to cooperate
fully with the Office’s agents and to lend any assistance required to the investigation. With that aim in view, they shall
supply the Office’s agents with all useful information and explanations.
Without prejudice to the relevant provisions of the Treaties establishing the European Communities, in particular the
Protocol on privileges and immunities, and of the texts implementing them, Members shall cooperate fully with the
Office.
Article 2
Duty to supply information
Any official or servant of the European Parliament who becomes aware of evidence which gives rise to a presumption of
the existence of possible cases of fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity detrimental to the interests of the
Communities, or of serious situations relating to the discharge of professional duties which may constitute a failure to
comply with the obligations of officials or servants of the Communities or staff not subject to the Staff Regulations liable
to result in disciplinary or, in appropriate cases, criminal proceedings, shall inform without delay his Head of Service or
Director-General or, if he considers it useful, his Secretary-General or the Office direct, in the case of an official, servant or
staff member not subject to the Staff Regulations, or, in the case of failure to comply with the analogous obligations of
Members, the President of the European Parliament.
The President, the Secretary-General, the Directors-General and the Heads of Service of the European Parliament shall
transmit without delay to the Office any evidence of which they are aware from which the existence of irregularities as
referred to in the first paragraph may be presumed.
Officials or servants of the European Parliament must in no way suffer inequitable or discriminatory treatment as a result
of having communicated the information referred to in the first and second paragraphs.
Members who acquire knowledge of facts as referred to in the first paragraph shall inform the President of Parliament or,
if they consider it useful, the Office direct.
This article applies without prejudice to confidentiality requirements laid down in law or the European Parliament’s Rules
of Procedure.
Article 3
Assistance from the security office
At the request of the Director of the Office, the European Parliament’s security office shall assist the Office in the practical
conduct of investigations.
Article 4
Immunity and right to refuse to testify
Rules governing Members’ parliamentary immunity and the right to refuse to testify shall remain unchanged.
Article 5
Informing the interested party
Where the possible implication of a Member, official or servant emerges, the interested party shall be informed rapidly as
long as this would not be harmful to the investigation. In any event, conclusions referring by name to a Member, official
or servant of the European Parliament may not be drawn once the investigation has been completed without the
interested party’s having been enabled to express his views on all the facts which concern him.
In cases necessitating the maintenance of absolute secrecy for the purposes of the investigation and requiring the use of
investigative procedures falling within the remit of a national judicial authority, compliance with the obligation to invite
the Member, official or servant of the European Parliament to give his views may be deferred in agreement respectively
with the President, in the case of a Member, or the Secretary-General, in the case of an official or servant.

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Article 6
Information on the closing of the investigation with no further action taken
If, following an internal investigation, no case can be made out against a Member, official or servant of the European
Parliament against whom allegations have been made, the internal investigation concerning him shall be closed, with no
further action taken, by decision of the Director of the Office, who shall inform the interested party in writing.
Article 7
Waiver of immunity
Any request from a national police or judicial authority regarding the waiver of the immunity from judicial proceedings
of an official or servant of the European Parliament concerning possible cases of fraud, corruption or any other illegal
activity shall be transmitted to the Director of the Office for his opinion. If a request for waiver of immunity concerns a
Member of the European Parliament, the Office shall be informed.
Article 8
Effective date
This Decision shall take effect on the date of its adoption by the European Parliament.

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ANNEX XIII
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COMMISSION ON PROCEDURES FOR
IMPLEMENTING COUNCIL DECISION 1999/468/EC LAYING DOWN THE PROCEDURES FOR THE EXERCISE
OF IMPLEMENTING POWERS CONFERRED ON THE COMMISSION, AS AMENDED BY DECISION
2006/512/EC
Information to the European Parliament
1. Pursuant
to
Article
7(3)
of
Decision
1999/468/EC
( 1 ), the European Parliament is to be informed by the
Commission on a regular basis of proceedings of committees ( 2 ) in accordance with arrangements which ensure that
the transmission system is transparent and efficient and that the information forwarded and the various stages of the
procedure are identified. To that end, it is to receive, at the same time as the members of the committees and on the same
terms, the draft agendas for committee meetings, the draft implementing measures submitted to those committees
pursuant to basic instruments adopted in accordance with the procedure provided for by Article 251 of the Treaty,
the results of voting, summary records of the meetings and lists of the authorities to which the persons designated by the
Member States to represent them belong.
Register
2. The
Commission
will
establish
a
register
containing
all
documents
forwarded
to
the
European
Parliament
( 3 ). The
European Parliament will have direct access to this register. In accordance with Article 7(5) of Decision 1999/468/EC,
references of all documents transmitted to the European Parliament will be made public.
3. In accordance with the undertakings given by the Commission in its statement on Article 7(3) of Decision
1999/468/EC ( 4 ), and once the appropriate technical arrangements have been made, the register provided for in
paragraph 2 will enable, in particular:
— a clear identification of the documents covered by the same procedure and of any changes to the implementing
measure at each stage of the procedure,
— an indication of the stage of the procedure and the timetable,
— a clear distinction between the draft measures received by the European Parliament at the same time as the committee
members in accordance with the right to information and the final draft following the committee’s opinion that is
forwarded to the European Parliament,
— a clear identification of any modification in comparison to documents already forwarded to the European Parliament.
4. When, after a transitional period starting from the entry into force of this Agreement, the European Parliament and
the Commission conclude that the system is operational and satisfactory, the transmission of documents to the European
Parliament shall be made by electronic notification with a link to the register provided for in paragraph 2. This decision
shall be taken through an exchange of letters between the presidents of both institutions. During the transitional period,
the documents will be forwarded to the European Parliament as an attachment to an electronic mail.
5. Furthermore, the Commission agrees to forward to the European Parliament, for information and at the request of
the parliamentary committee responsible, specific draft measures implementing basic instruments which, although not
adopted in accordance with the procedure provided for by Article 251 of the Treaty, are of particular importance to the
European Parliament. These measures shall be entered in the register provided for in paragraph 2 with a notification
thereof to the European Parliament.
6. In addition to the summary records referred to in paragraph 1, the European Parliament may request access to
minutes of committee meetings ( 5 ). The Commission will examine each request, on a case by case basis, under the
confidentiality rules set out in Annex 1 to the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and
the Commission ( 6 ).
( 1 ) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).
( 2 ) Throughout this Agreement, the word ‘committee’ shall be taken to refer to committees established in accordance with Decision
1999/468/EC, except where it is specified that another committee is referred to.
( 3 ) The target date for the establishment of the register is 31 March 2008.
( 4 ) OJ C 171, 22.7.2006, p. 21.
( 5 ) See the judgment of the Court of First Instance of the European Communities of 19 July 1999 in Case T-188/97 Rothmans v
Commission [1999] ECR II-2463.
( 6 ) OJ C 117 E, 18.5.2006, p. 123.

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Confidential documents
7. Confidential
documents
will
be
processed
in
accordance
with
internal
administrative
procedures
drawn
up
by
each
institution with a view to providing all the requisite guarantees.
European Parliament resolutions pursuant to Article 8 of Decision 1999/468/EC
8. Pursuant
to
Article
8
of
Decision
1999/468/EC,
the
European
Parliament
may
indicate,
in
a
resolution
setting
out
the grounds on which it is based, that draft measures implementing a basic instrument adopted in accordance with the
procedure provided for by Article 251 of the Treaty would exceed the implementing powers provided for in that basic
instrument.
9. The European Parliament is to adopt such resolutions in accordance with its Rules of Procedure; it is to have a
period of 1 month in which to do so, beginning on the date of receipt of the final draft of the implementing measures in
the language versions submitted to the members of the committee concerned.
10. The European Parliament and the Commission agree that it is appropriate to establish a shorter time limit on a
permanent basis for some types of urgent implementing measures on which a decision must be taken within a shorter
period of time in the interests of sound management. This applies in particular to some types of measure relating to
external action, including humanitarian and emergency aid, to health and safety protection, to transport security and
safety and to exemptions from public procurement rules. An agreement between the Member of the Commission and the
Chair of the parliamentary committee responsible will lay down the types of measure concerned and the applicable time
limits. Such an agreement may be revoked at any time by either side.
11. Without prejudice to the cases referred to in paragraph 10, the time limit will be shorter in urgent cases and in the
case of measures relating to day-to-day administrative matters and/or having a limited period of validity. That time limit
may be very short in extremely urgent cases, in particular on public health grounds. The Member of the Commission
responsible is to set the appropriate time limit and to state the reason for that time limit. The European Parliament may
in such cases use a procedure whereby application of Article 8 of Decision 1999/468/EC is delegated to the parliamentary
committee responsible, which may send a response to the Commission within the relevant time limit.
12. As soon as the Commission’s services foresee that draft measures covered by paragraphs 10 and 11 might have to
be submitted to a committee, they will informally warn the secretariat of the parliamentary committee or committees
responsible thereof. As soon as initial draft measures have been submitted to the members of the committee, the
Commission’s services will notify the secretariat of the parliamentary committee or committees of their urgency and
of the time limits that will apply once the final draft has been submitted.
13. Following the adoption by the European Parliament of a resolution as referred to in paragraph 8 or a response as
referred to in paragraph 11, the Member of the Commission responsible is to inform the European Parliament or, where
appropriate, the parliamentary committee responsible of the action the Commission intends to take thereon.
14. Data pursuant to paragraphs 10 to 13 will be entered in the register.
Regulatory procedure with scrutiny
15. Where the regulatory procedure with scrutiny applies, and following the vote in the committee, the Commission
will inform the European Parliament of the applicable time limits. Subject to paragraph 16, these time limits will start to
run only once the European Parliament has received all language versions.
16. Where shorter time limits apply (Article 5a(5)(b) of Decision 1999/468/EC) and in cases of urgency (Article 5a(6)
of Decision 1999/468/EC), the time limits shall start to run from the date of receipt by the European Parliament of the
final draft implementing measures in the language versions submitted to the members of the committee, unless the Chair
of the parliamentary committee objects. In any event, the Commission will endeavour to forward all language versions to
the European Parliament as soon as possible. As soon as the Commission’s services foresee that draft measures covered by
Article 5a(5)(b) or (6) might have to be submitted to a committee, they will informally warn the secretariat of the
parliamentary committee or committees responsible thereof.
Financial services
17. In accordance with its statement on Article 7(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC, in respect of financial services the
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— ensure that the Commission official chairing a committee meeting informs the European Parliament, at its request,
after each meeting, of any discussions concerning draft implementing measures that have been submitted to that
committee,
— give an oral or written reply to any questions regarding discussions concerning draft implementing measures
submitted to a committee.
Finally, the Commission will ensure that the undertakings made at Parliament’s plenary sitting of 5 February 2002 ( 1 ) and
restated at its plenary sitting of 31 March 2004 ( 2 ) and those referred to in points 1 to 7 of the letter of 2 October
2001 ( 3 ) from Commissioner Bolkestein to the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary
Affairs are honoured in respect of the entire financial services sector (including securities, banks, insurance, pensions and
accounting).
Calendar of parliamentary work
18. Except where shorter time limits apply or in cases of urgency, the Commission will take into account, when
transmitting draft implementing measures under this Agreement, the European Parliament’s periods of recess (winter,
summer and European elections), in order to ensure that Parliament is able to exercise its prerogatives within the time
limits laid down in Decision 1999/468/EC and this Agreement.
Cooperation between the European Parliament and the Commission
19. The two institutions express their readiness to assist each other in order to ensure full cooperation when dealing
with specific implementing measures. To this effect, appropriate contacts at administrative level will be established.
Preceding agreements
20. The 2000 Agreement between the European Parliament and the Commission on procedures for implementing
Council Decision 1999/468/EC ( 4 ) is hereby replaced. The European Parliament and the Commission consider the
following agreements superseded and thus of no effect in so far as they are concerned: the 1988 Plumb/Delors
Agreement, the 1996 Samland/Williamson Agreement and the 1994 modus vivendi ( 5 ).
( 1 ) OJ C 284 E, 21.11.2002, p. 19.
( 2 ) OJ C 103 E, 29.4.2004, p. 446 and Verbatim Report of Proceedings (CRE) for Parliament’s plenary sitting of 31 March 2004, under
‘Vote’.
( 3 ) OJ C 284 E, 21.11.2002, p. 83.
( 4 ) OJ L 256, 10.10.2000, p. 19.
( 5 ) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1.

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ANNEX XIV
FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ( 1 ) AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS ‘THE TWO
INSTITUTIONS’),
— having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),
in particular Article 295 thereof, and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (hereinafter
referred to as ‘the Treaties’),
— having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreements and texts governing relations between the two Institutions,
— having regard to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure ( 2 ), and in particular Rules 105, 106 and 127 thereof and Annexes
VIII and XIV thereto,
— having regard to the political guidelines issued, and the relevant statements made, by the President-elect of the
Commission on 15 September 2009 and 9 February 2010 and the statements made by each of the candidate
Members of the Commission in the course of their hearings by parliamentary committees.
A. whereas the Lisbon Treaty strengthens the democratic legitimacy of the Union’s decision-making process,
B. whereas the two Institutions attach the utmost importance to the effective transposition and implementation of
Union law,
C. whereas this Framework Agreement does not affect the powers and prerogatives of Parliament, the Commission or
any other institution or organ of the Union but seeks to ensure that those powers and prerogatives are exercised as
effectively and transparently as possible,
D. whereas
this
Framework
Agreement
should
be
interpreted
in
conformity
with
the
institutional
framework
as
organised by the Treaties,
E. whereas the Commission will take due account of the respective roles conferred by the Treaties on Parliament and
the Council, in particular with reference to the basic principle of equal treatment laid down under point 9,
F. whereas
it
is
appropriate
to
update
the
Framework
Agreement
concluded
in
May
2005
( 3 ) and to replace it by the
following text,
AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
I. SCOPE
1. To better reflect the new ‘special partnership’ between Parliament and the Commission, the two Institutions agree
on the following measures to strengthen the political responsibility and legitimacy of the Commission, extend
constructive dialogue, improve the flow of information between the two Institutions and improve cooperation on
procedures and planning.
They also agree on specific provisions:
— on Commission meetings with national experts, as set out in Annex 1,
— on the forwarding of confidential information to Parliament, as set out in Annex 2,
— on the negotiation and conclusion of international agreements, as set out in Annex 3, and
— on the timetable for the Commission Work Programme, as set out in Annex 4.
II. POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY
2. After being nominated by the European Council, the President-designate of the Commission will submit to
Parliament political guidelines for his/her term of office in order to enable an informed exchange of views to take
place with Parliament before its election vote.
3. In conformity with Rule 106 of its Rules of Procedure, Parliament shall communicate with the President-elect of the
Commission in good time before the opening of the procedures relating to giving its consent to the new Commission.
Parliament shall take into account the remarks expressed by the President-elect.
( 1 ) Parliament’s decision of 20 October 2010.
( 2 ) OJ L 44, 15.2.2005, p. 1.
( 3 ) OJ C 117 E, 18.5.2006, p. 125.

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The designated Members of the Commission shall ensure full disclosure of all relevant information, in conformity with
the obligation of independence laid down in Article 245 TFEU.
The procedures shall be designed in such a way as to ensure that the entire Commission-designate is assessed in an open,
fair and consistent manner.
4. Each Member of the Commission shall take political responsibility for action in the field of which he or she is in
charge, without prejudice to the principle of Commission collegiality.
The President of the Commission shall be fully responsible for identifying any conflict of interest which renders a Member
of the Commission unable to perform his or her duties.
The President of the Commission shall likewise be responsible for any subsequent action taken in such circumstances and
shall inform the President of Parliament thereof immediately and in writing.
The participation of Members of the Commission in electoral campaigns is governed by the Code of Conduct for
Commissioners.
Members of the Commission participating actively in electoral campaigns as candidates in elections to the European
Parliament should take unpaid electoral leave with effect from the end of the last part-session before the elections.
The President of the Commission shall inform Parliament in due time of his/her decision to grant such leave, indicating
which Member of the Commission will take over the relevant responsibilities for that period of leave.
5. If Parliament asks the President of the Commission to withdraw confidence in an individual Member of the
Commission, he/she will seriously consider whether to request that Member to resign, in accordance with
Article 17(6) TEU. The President shall either require the resignation of that Member or explain his/her refusal to do
so before Parliament in the following part-session.
6. Where it becomes necessary to arrange for the replacement of a Member of the Commission during his/her term of
office pursuant to the second paragraph of Article 246 TFEU, the President of the Commission will seriously consider the
result of Parliament’s consultation before giving accord to the decision of the Council..
Parliament shall ensure that its procedures are conducted with the utmost dispatch, in order to enable the President of the
Commission to seriously consider Parliament’s opinion before the new Member is appointed.
Similarly, pursuant to the third paragraph of Article 246 TFEU, when the remainder of the Commission’s term of office is
short, the President of the Commission will seriously consider Parliament’s position.
7. If the President of the Commission intends to reshuffle the allocation of responsibilities amongst the Members of
the Commission during its term of office pursuant to Article 248 TFEU he/she shall inform Parliament in due time for the
relevant parliamentary consultation with regard to those changes. The President’s decision to reshuffle the portfolios can
take effect immediately.
8. When the Commission comes forward with a revision of the Code of Conduct for Commissioners relating to
conflict of interest or ethical behaviour, it will seek Parliament’s opinion.
III. CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE AND FLOW OF INFORMATION
(i) General provisions
9. The Commission guarantees that it will apply the basic principle of equal treatment for Parliament and the Council,
especially as regards access to meetings and the provision of contributions or other information, in particular on
legislative and budgetary matters.
10. Within its competences, the Commission shall take measures to better involve Parliament in such a way as to take
Parliament’s views into account as far as possible in the area of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
11. A
number
of
arrangements
are
made
to
implement
the
‘special
partnership’
between
Parliament
and
the
Commission, as follows:
— the President of the Commission will at Parliament’s request meet the Conference of Presidents at least twice a year to
discuss issues of common interest,
— the President of the Commission will have a regular dialogue with the President of Parliament on key horizontal issues
and major legislative proposals. This dialogue should also include invitations to the President of Parliament to attend
meetings of the College of Commissioners,
— the President of the Commission or the Vice-President responsible for interinstitutional relations is to be invited to
attend meetings of the Conference of Presidents and the Conference of Committee Chairs when specific issues relating
to plenary agenda-setting, interinstitutional relations between Parliament and the Commission and legislative and
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— meetings shall take place annually between the Conference of Presidents and the Conference of Committee Chairs and
the College of Commissioners, to discuss relevant issues including the preparation and implementation of the
Commission Work Programme,
— the Conference of Presidents and the Conference of Committee Chairs shall inform the Commission in due time of
the results of their discussions having an interinstitutional dimension. Parliament shall also keep the Commission fully
and regularly informed of the outcome of its meetings dealing with the preparation of the part-sessions, taking into
account the Commission’s views. This is without prejudice to point 45,
— to ensure a regular flow of relevant information between the two Institutions, the Secretaries-General of Parliament
and of the Commission shall meet on a regular basis.
12. Each Member of the Commission shall make sure that there is a regular and direct flow of information between
the Member of the Commission and the chair of the relevant parliamentary committee.
13. The
Commission
shall
not
make
public
any
legislative
proposal
or
any
significant
initiative
or
decision
before
notifying Parliament thereof in writing.
On the basis of the Commission Work Programme, the two Institutions shall identify in advance, by common agreement,
key initiatives to be presented in plenary. In principle, the Commission will present these initiatives first in plenary and
only afterwards to the public.
Similarly, they shall identify those proposals and initiatives for which information is to be provided before the Conference
of Presidents or conveyed, in an appropriate manner, to the relevant parliamentary committee or its chair.
These decisions shall be taken within the framework of the regular dialogue between the two Institutions, as provided for
in point 11, and shall be updated on a regular basis, taking due account of any political developments.
14. If an internal Commission document – of which Parliament has not been informed pursuant to this Framework
Agreement – is circulated outside the institutions, the President of Parliament may request that the document concerned
be forwarded to Parliament without delay, in order to communicate it to any Member of Parliament who may request it.
15. The
Commission
will
provide
full
information
and
documentation
on
its
meetings
with
national
experts
within
the
framework of its work on the preparation and implementation of Union legislation, including soft law and delegated acts.
If so requested by Parliament, the Commission may also invite Parliament’s experts to attend those meetings.
The relevant provisions are laid down in Annex 1.
16. Within
3
months
after
the
adoption
of
a
parliamentary
resolution,
the
Commission
shall
provide
information
to
Parliament in writing on action taken in response to specific requests addressed to it in Parliament’s resolutions, including
in cases where it has not been able to follow Parliament’s views. That period may be shortened where a request is urgent.
It may be extended by 1 month where a request calls for more exhaustive work and this is duly substantiated. Parliament
will make sure that this information is widely distributed within the institution.
Parliament will endeavour to avoid asking oral or written questions concerning issues in respect of which the
Commission has already informed Parliament of its position through a written follow-up communication.
The Commission shall commit itself to report on the concrete follow-up of any request to submit a proposal pursuant to
Article 225 TFEU (legislative initiative report) within 3 months following adoption of the corresponding resolution in
plenary. The Commission shall come forward with a legislative proposal at the latest after 1 year or shall include the
proposal in its next year’s Work Programme. If the Commission does not submit a proposal, it shall give Parliament
detailed explanations of the reasons.
The Commission shall also commit itself to a close and early cooperation with Parliament on any legislative initiative
requests emanating from citizens’ initiatives.
As regards the discharge procedure, the specific provisions laid down in point 31 shall apply.
17. Where initiatives, recommendations or requests for legislative acts are made pursuant to Article 289(4) TFEU, the
Commission shall inform Parliament, if so requested, of its position on those proposals before the relevant parliamentary
committee.
18. The
two
Institutions
agree
to
cooperate
in
the
area
of
relations
with
national
Parliaments.
Parliament and the Commission shall cooperate on the implementation of TFEU Protocol No 2 on the application of the
principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. Such cooperation shall include arrangements related to any necessary
translation of reasoned opinions presented by national Parliaments.
When the thresholds mentioned in Article 7 of TFEU Protocol No 2 are met, the Commission shall provide the
translations of all the reasoned opinions presented by national Parliaments together with its position thereon.

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19. The Commission shall inform Parliament of the list of its expert groups set up in order to assist the Commission
in the exercise of its right of initiative. That list shall be updated on a regular basis and made public.
Within this framework, the Commission shall, in an appropriate manner, inform the competent parliamentary committee,
at the specific and reasoned request of its chair, on the activities and composition of such groups.
20. The
two
Institutions
shall
hold,
through
the
appropriate
mechanisms,
a
constructive
dialogue
on
questions
concerning important administrative matters, notably on issues having direct implications for Parliament’s own adminis
tration.
21. Parliament will seek the opinion of the Commission when it comes forward with a revision of its Rules of
Procedures concerning relations with the Commission.
22. Where
confidentiality
is
invoked
as
regards
any
of
the
information
forwarded
pursuant
to
this
Framework
Agreement, the provisions laid down in Annex 2 shall be applied.
(ii) International agreements and enlargement
23. Parliament shall be immediately and fully informed at all stages of the negotiation and conclusion of international
agreements, including the definition of negotiating directives. The Commission shall act in a manner to give full effect to
its obligations pursuant to Article 218 TFEU, while respecting each institution’s role in accordance with Article 13(2)
TEU.
The Commission shall apply the arrangements set out in Annex 3.
24. The information referred to in point 23 shall be provided to Parliament in sufficient time for it to be able to
express its point of view if appropriate, and for the Commission to be able to take Parliament’s views as far as possible
into account. This information shall, as a general rule, be provided to Parliament through the responsible parliamentary
committee and, where appropriate, at a plenary sitting. In duly justified cases, it shall be provided to more than one
parliamentary committee.
Parliament and the Commission undertake to establish appropriate procedures and safeguards for the forwarding of
confidential information from the Commission to Parliament, in accordance with the provisions of Annex 2.
25. The two Institutions acknowledge that, due to their different institutional roles, the Commission is to represent the
European Union in international negotiations, with the exception of those concerning the Common Foreign and Security
Policy and other cases as provided for in the Treaties.
Where the Commission represents the Union in international conferences, it shall, at Parliament’s request, facilitate the
inclusion of a delegation of Members of the European Parliament as observers in Union delegations, so that it may be
immediately and fully informed about the conference proceedings. The Commission undertakes, where applicable, to
systematically inform the Parliament delegation about the outcome of negotiations.
Members of the European Parliament may not participate directly in these negotiations. Subject to the legal, technical and
diplomatic possibilities, they may be granted observer status by the Commission. In the event of refusal, the Commission
will inform Parliament of the reasons therefor.
In addition, the Commission shall facilitate the participation of Members of the European Parliament as observers in all
relevant meetings under its responsibility before and after negotiation sessions.
26. Under the same conditions, the Commission shall keep Parliament systematically informed about, and facilitate
access as observers for Members of the European Parliament forming part of Union delegations to, meetings of bodies set
up by multilateral international agreements involving the Union, whenever such bodies are called upon to take decisions
which require the consent of Parliament or the implementation of which may require the adoption of legal acts in
accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure.
27. The
Commission
shall
also
give
Parliament’s
delegation
included
in
Union
delegations
to
international
conferences
access to use all Union delegation facilities on these occasions, in line with the general principle of good cooperation
between the institutions and taking into account the available logistics.
The President of Parliament shall send to the President of the Commission a proposal for the inclusion of a Parliament
delegation in the Union delegation no later than 4 weeks before the start of the conference, specifying the head of the
Parliament delegation and the number of Members of the European Parliament to be included. In duly justified cases, this
deadline can exceptionally be shortened.
The number of Members of the European Parliament included in the Parliament delegation and of supporting staff shall
be proportionate to the overall size of the Union delegation.
28. The Commission shall keep Parliament fully informed of the progress of accession negotiations and in particular
on major aspects and developments, so as to enable it to express its views in good time through the appropriate
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29. When Parliament adopts a recommendation on matters referred to in point 28, pursuant to Rule 90(4) of its Rules
of Procedure, and when, for important reasons, the Commission decides that it cannot support such a recommendation, it
shall explain the reasons before Parliament, at a plenary sitting or at the next meeting of the relevant parliamentary
committee.
(iii) Budgetary implementation
30. Before making, at donors’ conferences, financial pledges which involve new financial undertakings and require the
agreement of the budgetary authority, the Commission shall inform the budgetary authority and examine its remarks.
31. In connection with the annual discharge governed by Article 319 TFEU, the Commission shall forward all
information necessary for supervising the implementation of the budget for the year in question, which the chair of
the parliamentary committee responsible for the discharge procedure pursuant to Annex VII of Parliament’s Rules of
Procedure requests from it for that purpose.
If new aspects come to light concerning previous years for which discharge has already been given, the Commission shall
forward all the necessary information on the matter with a view to arriving at a solution acceptable to both sides.
(iv) Relationship with regulatory agencies
32. Nominees
for
the
post
of
Executive
Director
of
regulatory
agencies
should
come
to
parliamentary
committee
hearings.
In addition, in the context of the discussions of the interinstitutional Working Group on Agencies set up in March 2009,
the Commission and Parliament will aim at a common approach on the role and position of decentralised agencies in the
Union’s institutional landscape, accompanied by common guidelines for the creation, structure and operation of those
agencies, together with funding, budgetary, supervision and management issues.
IV. COOPERATION AS REGARDS LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES AND PLANNING
(i) Commission Work Programme and the European Union’s programming
33. The Commission shall initiate the Union’s annual and multi-annual programming, with a view to achieving
interinstitutional agreements.
34. Every
year
the
Commission
shall
present
its
Work
Programme.
35. The
two
Institutions
shall
cooperate
in
accordance
with
the
timetable
set
out
in
Annex
4.
The Commission shall take into account the priorities expressed by Parliament.
The Commission shall provide sufficient detail as to what is envisaged under each point in its Work Programme.
36. The
Commission
shall
explain
when
it
cannot
deliver
individual
proposals
in
its
Work
Programme
for
the
year
in
question or when it departs from it. The Vice-President of the Commission responsible for interinstitutional relations
undertakes to report to the Conference of Committee Chairs regularly, outlining the political implementation of the
Commission Work Programme for the year in question.
(ii) Procedures for the adoption of acts
37. The Commission undertakes to carefully examine amendments to its legislative proposals adopted by Parliament,
with a view to taking them into account in any amended proposal.
When delivering its opinion on Parliament’s amendments pursuant to Article 294 TFEU, the Commission undertakes to
take the utmost account of amendments adopted at second reading; should it decide, for important reasons and after
consideration by the College, not to adopt or support such amendments, it shall explain its decision before Parliament,
and in any event in its opinion on Parliament’s amendments by virtue of point (c) of Article 294(7) TFEU.
38. Parliament undertakes, when dealing with an initiative submitted by at least a quarter of Member States, in
conformity with Article 76 TFEU, not to adopt any report in the relevant committee before receiving the Commission’s
opinion on the initiative.
The Commission undertakes to issue its opinion on such an initiative no later than 10 weeks after it has been submitted.
39. The
Commission
shall
provide
a
detailed
explanation
in
due
time
before
withdrawing
any
proposals
on
which
Parliament has already expressed a position at first reading.
The Commission shall proceed with a review of all pending proposals at the beginning of the new Commission’s term of
office, in order to politically confirm or withdraw them, taking due account of the views expressed by Parliament.

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40. For special legislative procedures on which Parliament is to be consulted, including other procedures such as that
laid down in Article 148 TFEU, the Commission:
(i) shall take measures to better involve Parliament in such a way as to take Parliament’s views into account as far as
possible, in particular to ensure that Parliament has the necessary time to consider the Commission’s proposal;
(ii) shall ensure that Council bodies are reminded in good time not to reach a political agreement on its proposals before
Parliament has adopted its opinion. It shall ask for discussion to be concluded at ministerial level after a reasonable
period has been given to the members of the Council to examine Parliament’s opinion;
(iii) shall ensure that the Council adheres to the rules developed by the Court of Justice of the European Union requiring
Parliament to be reconsulted if the Council substantially amends a Commission proposal. The Commission shall
inform Parliament of any reminder to the Council of the need for reconsultation;
(iv) undertakes, if appropriate, to withdraw a legislative proposal that Parliament has rejected. If, for important reasons
and after consideration by the College, the Commission decides to maintain its proposal, it shall explain the reasons
for that decision in a statement before Parliament.
41. For
its
part,
in
order
to
improve
legislative
planning,
Parliament
undertakes:
(i) to plan the legislative sections of its agendas, bringing them into line with the current Commission Work Programme
and with the resolutions it has adopted on that programme, in particular with a view to the improved planning of
the priority debates;
(ii) to meet reasonable deadlines, in so far as is useful for the procedure, when adopting its position at first reading under
the ordinary legislative procedure or its opinion under the consultation procedure;
(iii) as far as possible to appoint rapporteurs on future proposals as soon as the Commission Work Programme is
adopted;
(iv) to consider requests for reconsultation as a matter of absolute priority provided that all the necessary information has
been forwarded to it.
(iii) Issues linked to better law-making
42. The Commission shall ensure that its impact assessments are conducted under its responsibility by means of a
transparent procedure which guarantees an independent assessment. Impact assessments shall be published in due time,
taking into consideration a number of different scenarios, including a ‘do nothing’ option, and shall in principle be
presented to the relevant parliamentary committee during the phase of the provision of information to national
Parliaments under TFEU Protocols Nos 1 and 2.
43. In areas where Parliament is usually involved in the legislative process, the Commission shall use soft law, where
appropriate and on a duly justified basis after having given Parliament the opportunity to express its views. The
Commission shall provide a detailed explanation to Parliament on how its views have been taken into account when
it adopts its proposal.
44. In order to ensure better monitoring of the transposition and application of Union law, the Commission and
Parliament shall endeavour to include compulsory correlation tables and a binding time limit for transposition, which in
directives should not normally exceed a period of 2 years.
In addition to specific reports and the annual report on the application of Union law, the Commission shall make
available to Parliament summary information concerning all infringement procedures from the letter of formal notice,
including, if so requested by Parliament, on a case-by-case basis and respecting the confidentiality rules, in particular those
acknowledged by the Court of Justice of the European Union, on the issues to which the infringement procedure relates.
V. THE COMMISSION’S PARTICIPATION IN PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS
45. The Commission shall give priority to its presence, if requested, at the plenary sittings or meetings of other bodies
of Parliament, as compared to other competing events or invitations.
In particular, the Commission shall ensure that, as a general rule, Members of the Commission are present at plenary
sittings for agenda items falling under their responsibility, whenever Parliament so requests. This is applicable to the
preliminary draft agendas approved by the Conference of Presidents during the previous part-session.
Parliament shall seek to ensure that, as a general rule, agenda items of the part-sessions falling under the responsibility of
a Member of the Commission are grouped together.
46. At the request of Parliament, provision will be made for a regular Question Hour with the President of the
Commission. This Question Hour will comprise two parts: the first with leaders of political group or their representatives,
conducted on an entirely spontaneous basis; the second devoted to a policy theme agreed upon in advance, at the latest
on the Thursday before the relevant part-session, but without prepared questions.

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Furthermore, a Question Hour with Members of the Commission, including the Vice-President for External Relations/High
Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy shall be introduced, following the model of the
Question Hour with the President of the Commission, with the aim of reforming the existing Question Time. This
Question Hour shall relate to the portfolio of the respective Members of the Commission.
47. Members of the Commission shall be heard at their request.
Without prejudice to Article 230 TFEU, the two Institutions shall agree on general rules relating to the allocation of
speaking time between the institutions.
The two Institutions agree that their indicative allocation of speaking time should be respected.
48. With a view to ensuring the presence of Members of the Commission, Parliament undertakes to do its best to
maintain its final draft agendas.
Where Parliament amends its final draft agenda, or where it moves items within the agenda within a part-session,
Parliament shall immediately inform the Commission. The Commission shall use its best endeavours to ensure the
presence of the Member of the Commission responsible.
49. The Commission may propose the inclusion of items on the agenda not later than the meeting of the Conference
of Presidents that decides on the final draft agenda of a part-session. Parliament shall take the fullest account of such
proposals.
50. Parliamentary committees shall seek to maintain their draft agendas and agendas.
Whenever a parliamentary committee amends its draft agenda or its agenda, the Commission shall be immediately
informed thereof. In particular, parliamentary committees shall endeavour to respect a reasonable deadline so as to
allow for the presence of Members of the Commission at their meetings.
Where the presence of a Member of the Commission is not explicitly required at a parliamentary committee meeting, the
Commission shall ensure that it is represented by a competent official at an appropriate level.
Parliamentary committees will endeavour to coordinate their work, including avoiding parallel meetings on the same
issue, and will endeavour not to deviate from the draft agenda, so that the Commission can ensure an appropriate level of
representation.
If the presence of a high-level official (Director-General or Director) has been requested at a committee meeting dealing
with a Commission proposal, the representative of the Commission shall be allowed to intervene.
VI. FINAL PROVISIONS
51. The Commission confirms its commitment to examine as soon as possible the legislative acts which were not
adapted to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny before the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, in order to assess
whether those instruments need to be adapted to the regime of delegated acts introduced by Article 290 TFEU.
As a final goal, a coherent system of delegated and implementing acts, fully consistent with the Treaty, should be achieved
through a progressive assessment of the nature and contents of measures currently subject to the regulatory procedure
with scrutiny, in order to adapt them in due course to the regime laid down by Article 290 TFEU.
52. The
provisions
of
this
Framework
Agreement
complement
the
Interinstitutional
Agreement
on
better
law-
making ( 1 ) without affecting it and do not prejudice any further revision thereof. Without prejudice to forthcoming
negotiations between Parliament, the Commission and the Council, the two Institutions commit to agree on key changes
in preparation of future negotiations on adaptation of the Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making to the new
provisions introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, taking into account current practices and this Framework Agreement.
They also agree on the need to reinforce the existing interinstitutional contact mechanism, at political and at technical
level, in relation to better law-making, so as to ensure effective interinstitutional cooperation between Parliament, the
Commission and the Council.
53. The
Commission
commits
to
initiate
rapidly
the
Union’s
annual
and
multiannual
programming
with
a
view
to
achieving interinstitutional agreements, in accordance with Article 17 TEU.
The Commission Work Programme is the Commission’s contribution to the Union’s annual and multiannual
programming. Following its adoption by the Commission, a trialogue between Parliament, the Council and the
Commission should take place with a view to reaching an agreement on the Union’s programming.
In this context and as soon as Parliament, the Council and the Commission have reached a common understanding on
the Union’s programming, the two Institutions shall review the provisions of this Framework Agreement related to
programming.
( 1 ) OJ C 321, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

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Parliament and the Commission call on the Council to engage as soon as possible in discussions on the Union’s
programming as provided for in Article 17 TEU.
54. The practical implementation of this Framework Agreement and its Annexes shall be assessed periodically by the
two Institutions. A review shall be carried out by the end of 2011, in the light of practical experience.
ANNEX 1
COMMISSION MEETINGS WITH NATIONAL EXPERTS
This Annex lays down the modalities for implementation of point 15 of the Framework Agreement.
1. Scope
The provisions of point 15 of the Framework Agreement concern the following meetings:
(1) Commission meetings taking place within the framework of expert groups established by the Commission to which
national authorities from all Member States are invited, where they concern the preparation and implementation of
Union legislation, including soft law and delegated acts;
(2) ad hoc Commission meetings to which national experts from all Member States are invited, where they concern the
preparation and implementation of Union legislation, including soft law and delegated acts.
Meetings of comitology committees are excluded, without prejudice to existing and future specific arrangements
concerning the provision to Parliament of information concerning the exercise of the Commission’s implementing
powers ( 1 ).
2. Information to be transmitted to Parliament
The Commission commits to send Parliament the same documentation it sends to national authorities in relation to the
abovementioned meetings. The Commission will transmit those documents, including agendas, to a functional Parliament
mailbox at the same time as they are sent to the national experts.
3. Invitation of Parliament’s experts
Upon being requested by Parliament, the Commission may decide to invite Parliament to send Parliament experts to
attend Commission meetings with national experts as identified in point 1.
ANNEX 2
FORWARDING OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION TO PARLIAMENT
1. Scope
1.1. This Annex shall govern the forwarding to Parliament and the handling of confidential information, as defined in
point 1.2, from the Commission in connection with the exercise of Parliament’s prerogatives and competences.
The two Institutions shall act in accordance with their mutual duties of sincere cooperation, in a spirit of complete
mutual trust and in the strictest conformity with the relevant Treaty provisions.
1.2. ‘Information’ shall mean any written or oral information, whatever the medium and whoever the author may.
1.2.1. ‘Confidential information’ shall mean ‘EU classified information’ (EUCI) and non-classified ‘other confidential
information’.
1.2.2. ‘EU classified information’ (EUCI) shall mean any information and material, classified as ‘TRS SECRET UE/EU TOP
SECRET’, ‘SECRET UE’, ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE’ or ‘RESTREINT UE’ or bearing equivalent national or international
classification markings, an unauthorised disclosure of which could cause varying degrees of prejudice to Union
interests, or to one or more Member States, whether such information originates within the Union or is received
from Member States, third States or international organisations.
( 1 ) The information to be provided to Parliament on the work of comitology committees and Parliament’s prerogatives in the operation of
comitology procedures are clearly defined in other instruments: (1) Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the
procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23); (2) the inter
institutional agreement of 3 June 2008 between Parliament and the Commission on comitology procedures; and (3) instruments
necessary for the implementation of Article 291 TFEU.

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(a) TRS SECRET UE/EU TOP SECRET: this classification shall be applied only to information and material the
unauthorised disclosure of which could cause exceptionally grave prejudice to the essential interests of the
Union or of one or more of its Member States.
(b) SECRET UE: this classification shall be applied only to information and material the unauthorised disclosure of
which could seriously harm the essential interests of the Union or of one or more of its Member States.
(c) CONFIDENTIEL UE: this classification shall be applied to information and material the unauthorised disclosure
of which could harm the essential interests of the Union or of one or more of its Member States.
(d) RESTREINT UE: this classification shall be applied to information and material the unauthorised disclosure of
which could be disadvantageous to the interests of the Union or of one or more of its Member States.
1.2.3. ‘Other confidential information’ shall mean any other confidential information, including information covered by
the obligation of professional secrecy, requested by Parliament and/or forwarded by the Commission.
1.3. The
Commission
shall
ensure
that
Parliament
is
given
access
to
confidential
information,
in
accordance
with
the
provisions of this Annex, whenever it receives from one of the parliamentary bodies or office-holders mentioned in
point 1.4 a request relating to the forwarding of confidential information. Moreover, the Commission may forward
any confidential information on its own initiative to Parliament in accordance with the provisions of this Annex.
1.4. In the context of this Annex, the following may request confidential information from the Commission:
— the President of Parliament,
— the chairs of the parliamentary committees concerned,
— the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents, and
— the head of Parliament’s delegation included in the Union delegation at an international conference.
1.5. Information
on
infringement
procedures
and
procedures
relating
to
competition,
in
so
far
as
they
are
not
covered
by a final Commission decision or by a judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the date when
the request from one of the parliamentary bodies/office-holders mentioned in point 1.4 is received, and
information relating to the protection of the Union’s financial interests, shall be excluded from the scope of
this Annex. This is without prejudice to point 44 of the Framework Agreement and to the budgetary control rights
of Parliament.
1.6. These
provisions
shall
apply
without
prejudice
to
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 ( 1 ) and the relevant provisions of Commission Decision 1999/352/EC,
ECSC, Euratom of 28 April 1999 establishing the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) ( 2 ).
2. General rules
2.1. At the request of one of the parliamentary bodies/office-holders referred to in point 1.4, the Commission shall
forward to that parliamentary body/office-holder with all due despatch any confidential information required for
the exercise of Parliament’s prerogatives and competences. In accordance with their respective powers and respon
sibilities, the two Institutions shall respect:
— fundamental human rights, including the right to a fair trial and the right to protection of privacy,
— provisions governing judicial and disciplinary procedures,
— protection of business secrecy and commercial relations,
— protection of the interests of the Union, in particular those relating to public safety, defence, international
relations, monetary stability and financial interests.
In the event of a disagreement, the matter shall be referred to the Presidents of the two Institutions so that they
may resolve the dispute.
( 1 ) OJ L 113, 19.5.1995, p. 1.
( 2 ) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 20.

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Confidential information from a State, an institution or an international organisation shall be forwarded only with
its consent.
2.2. EUCI shall be forwarded to, and handled and protected by, Parliament in compliance with the common minimum
standards of security applied by other Union institutions, in particular the Commission.
When classifying information for which it is the originator, the Commission will ensure that it applies appropriate
levels of classification in line with the international standards and definitions and its internal rules, whilst taking
due account of the need for Parliament to be able to access classified documents for the effective exercise of its
competences and prerogatives.
2.3. In the event of any doubt as to the confidential nature of an item of information or its appropriate level of
classification, or where it is necessary to lay down the appropriate arrangements for it to be forwarded in
accordance with one of the options set out in point 3.2, the two Institutions shall consult each other without
delay and before transmission of the document. In these consultations, Parliament shall be represented by the chair
of the parliamentary body concerned, accompanied, where necessary, by the rapporteur, or the office-holder who
submitted the request. The Commission shall be represented by the Member of the Commission with responsibility
for that area, after consultation of the Member of the Commission responsible for security matters. In the event of
a disagreement, the matter shall be referred to the Presidents of the two Institutions so that they may resolve the
dispute.
2.4. If, at the end of the procedure referred to in point 2.3, no agreement has been reached, the President of Parliament,
in response to a reasoned request from the parliamentary body/office-holder who submitted the request, shall call
on the Commission to forward, within the appropriate deadline duly indicated, the confidential information in
question, selecting the arrangements from among the options laid down in point 3.2 of this Annex. Before the
expiry of that deadline, the Commission shall inform Parliament in writing of its final position, in respect of which
Parliament reserves the right, if appropriate, to exercise its right to seek redress.
2.5. Access
to
EUCI
shall
be
granted
in
accordance
with
applicable
rules
for
personal
security
clearance.
2.5.1. Access to information classified as ‘TRS SECRET UE/EU TOP SECRET’, ‘SECRET UE’ and ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE’ may
only be granted to Parliament officials and those employees of Parliament working for political groups to whom it
is strictly necessary, who have been designated in advance by the parliamentary body/office-holder as having a
need to know and who have been given an appropriate security clearance.
2.5.2. In light of Parliament’s prerogatives and competences, those Members who have not been given a personal security
clearance shall be granted access to ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE’ documents under practical arrangements defined by
common accord, including signature of a solemn declaration that they will not disclose the contents of those
documents to any third person.
Access to ‘SECRET UE’ documents shall be granted to Members who have been given an appropriate personal
security clearance.
2.5.3. Arrangements shall be made with the support of the Commission to ensure that the necessary contribution of
national authorities within the framework of the clearance procedure can be obtained by Parliament as quickly as
possible.
Details of the category or categories of persons who are to have access to the confidential information shall be
communicated simultaneously with the request.
Prior to being granted access to such information each person shall be briefed on its confidentiality level and the
resulting security obligations.
In the context of the review of this Annex and future security arrangements, as referred to in points 4.1 and 4.2,
the issue of security clearances will be re-examined.
3. Arrangements for access to and the handling of confidential information
3.1. Confidential information forwarded in accordance with the procedures set out in point 2.3 and, where appropriate,
point 2.4 shall be made available, on the responsibility of the President or of a Member of the Commission, to the
parliamentary body/office-holder who submitted the request, in accordance with the following conditions:
Parliament and the Commission will ensure the registration and the traceability of confidential information.
More specifically, EUCI classified as ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE’ and ‘SECRET UE’ shall be forwarded from the
Commission’s Secretariat General central registry to the equivalent competent Parliament service who will be
responsible for making it available under the agreed arrangements to the parliamentary body/office-holder who
submitted the request.

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The forwarding of EUCI classified as ‘TRS SECRET UE/EU TOP SECRET’ shall be subject to further arrangements,
agreed between the Commission and the parliamentary body/office-holder who submitted the request, aimed at
ensuring a level of protection commensurate with that classification.
3.2. Without prejudice to the provisions of points 2.2 and 2.4 and the future security arrangements referred to in point
4.1, access and the arrangements designed to preserve the confidentiality of the information shall be laid down by
common accord before the information is forwarded. That accord between the Member of the Commission with
responsibility for the policy area involved and the parliamentary body (represented by its chair)/office-holder who
submitted the request, shall provide for the selection of one of the options set out in points 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 in
order to ensure the appropriate level of confidentiality.
3.2.1. Regarding the addressees of confidential information, provision should be made for one of the following options:
— information intended for the President of Parliament alone, in instances justified on absolutely exceptional
grounds,
— the Bureau and/or the Conference of Presidents,
— the chair and rapporteur of the relevant parliamentary committee,
— all members (full and substitute) of the relevant parliamentary committee,
— all Members of the European Parliament.
The confidential information in question may not be published or forwarded to any other addressee without the
consent of the Commission.
3.2.2. Regarding the arrangements for the handling of confidential information, provision should be made for the
following options:
(a) examination of documents in a secure reading room if the information is classified as ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE’ and
above;
(b) holding the meeting in camera, attended only by the members of the Bureau, the members of the Conference
of Presidents or full members and substitute members of the competent parliamentary committee as well as by
Parliament officials and those Parliament employees working for political groups who have been designated in
advance by the chair as having a need to know and whose presence is strictly necessary, provided they have
been given the required level of security clearance, taking into account the following conditions:
— any documents may be numbered, distributed at the beginning of the meeting and collected again at the
end. No notes of those documents and no photocopies thereof may be taken,
— the minutes of the meeting shall make no mention of the discussion of the item taken under the confi
dential procedure.
Before transmission, all personal data may be expunged from the documents.
Confidential information provided orally to recipients in Parliament shall be subject to the equivalent level of
protection as that accorded to confidential information provided in written form. This may include a solemn
declaration by recipients of that information not to divulge its contents to any third person.
3.2.3. When written information is to be examined in a secure reading room, Parliament shall ensure that the following
arrangements are in place:
— a secure storage system for confidential information,
— a secure reading room (without photocopying machines, telephones, fax facilities, scanners or any other
technical equipment for the reproduction and transmission of documents, etc.),
— security provisions governing access to the reading room, including the requirements of signature in an access
register and a solemn declaration not to disseminate the confidential information examined.
3.2.4. The above does not preclude other equivalent arrangements agreed between the institutions.
3.3. In the event of non-compliance with these arrangements, the provisions relating to sanctions of Members set out
in Annex VIII to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure and, in respect of Parliament officials and other employees, the
applicable provisions of Article 86 of the Staff Regulations ( 1 ) or Article 49 of the Conditions of Employment of
Other Servants of the European Communities shall apply.
( 1 ) Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68 of the Council of 29 February 1968 laying down the Staff Regulations of Officials and
the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities and instituting special measures temporarily applicable
to officials of the Commission.

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4. Final provisions
4.1. The Commission and Parliament shall take all the measures required for the implementation of the provisions of
this Annex.
To that end, the competent services of the Commission and of Parliament shall closely coordinate the implemen
tation of this Annex. This shall include the verification of traceability of confidential information and periodic joint
monitoring of security arrangements and standards applied.
Parliament undertakes to adapt, where necessary, its internal provisions so as to implement the security rules for
confidential information laid down in this Annex.
Parliament undertakes to adopt as soon as possible its future security arrangements and to verify those
arrangements by common accord with the Commission, with a view to establishing equivalence of security
standards. This will give effect to this Annex with regard to:
— technical security provisions and standards regarding the handling and storage of confidential information,
including security measures in the field of physical, personnel, document and IT security,
— the establishment of a specially established oversight committee, composed of appropriately cleared Members
for the handling of EUCI classified as ‘TRS SECRET UE/EU TOP SECRET’.
4.2. Parliament and the Commission will review this Annex and, where necessary, adapt it, no later than at the time of
the review referred to in point 54 of the Framework Agreement, in light of developments concerning:
— future security arrangements involving Parliament and the Commission,
— other agreements or legal acts relevant for the forwarding of information between the institutions.
ANNEX 3
NEGOTIATION AND CONCLUSION OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
This Annex lays down detailed arrangements for the provision of information to Parliament concerning the negotiation
and conclusion of international agreements as referred to in points 23, 24 and 25 of the Framework Agreement.
1. The Commission shall inform Parliament about its intention to propose the start of negotiations at the same time as it
informs the Council.
2. In line with the provisions of point 24 of the Framework Agreement, when the Commission proposes draft
negotiating directives with a view to their adoption by the Council, it shall at the same time present them to
Parliament.
3. The Commission shall take due account of Parliament’s comments throughout the negotiations.
4. In line with the provisions of point 23 of the Framework Agreement, the Commission shall keep Parliament regularly
and promptly informed about the conduct of negotiations until the agreement is initialled, and explain whether and
how Parliament’s comments were incorporated in the texts under negotiation and if not why.
5. In the case of international agreements the conclusion of which requires Parliament’s consent, the Commission shall
provide to Parliament during the negotiation process all relevant information that it also provides to the Council (or to
the special committee appointed by the Council). This shall include draft amendments to adopted negotiating
directives, draft negotiating texts, agreed articles, the agreed date for initialling the agreement and the text of the
agreement to be initialled. The Commission shall also transmit to Parliament, as it does to the Council (or to the
special committee appointed by the Council), any relevant documents received from third parties, subject to the
originator’s consent. The Commission shall keep the responsible parliamentary committee informed about devel
opments in the negotiations and, in particular, explain how Parliament’s views have been taken into account.
6. In the case of international agreements the conclusion of which does not require Parliament’s consent, the
Commission shall ensure that Parliament is immediately and fully informed, by providing information covering at
least the draft negotiating directives, the adopted negotiating directives, the subsequent conduct of negotiations and the
conclusion of the negotiations.

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7. In line with the provisions of point 24 of the Framework Agreement, the Commission shall give thorough information
to Parliament in due time when an international agreement is initialled, and shall inform Parliament as early as
possible when it intends to propose its provisional application to the Council and of the reasons therefor, unless
reasons of urgency preclude it from doing so.
8. The Commission shall inform the Council and Parliament simultaneously and in due time of its intention to propose
to the Council the suspension of an international agreement and of the reasons therefor.
9. For international agreements which would fall under the consent procedure provided for by the TFEU, the
Commission shall also keep Parliament fully informed before approving modifications to an agreement which are
authorised by the Council, by way of derogation, in accordance with Article 218(7) TFEU.
ANNEX 4
TIMETABLE FOR THE COMMISSION WORK PROGRAMME
The Commission Work Programme shall be accompanied by a list of legislative and non-legislative proposals for the
following years. The Commission Work Programme covers the next year in question, and provides a detailed indication of
the Commission’s priorities for the subsequent years. The Commission Work Programme can thus be the basis for a
structured dialogue with Parliament, with a view to seeking a common understanding.
The Commission Work Programme shall also include planned initiatives on soft law, withdrawals and simplification.
1. In the first semester of a given year, Members of the Commission shall undertake an ongoing regular dialogue with
the corresponding parliamentary committees on the implementation of the Commission Work Programme for that
year and on the preparation of the future Commission Work Programme. On the basis of that dialogue each
parliamentary committee shall report on the outcome thereof to the Conference of Committee Chairs.
2. In parallel the Conference of Committee Chairs shall hold a regular exchange of views with the Vice-President of the
Commission responsible for interinstitutional relations, in order to assess the state of implementation of the current
Commission Work Programme, discuss the preparation of the future Commission Work Programme and take stock
of the results of the ongoing bilateral dialogue between the parliamentary committees concerned and relevant
Members of the Commission.
3. In June, the Conference of Committees Chairs shall submit a summary report to the Conference of Presidents, which
should include results of the screening of the implementation of the Commission Work Programme as well as
Parliament’s priorities for the forthcoming Commission Work Programme, and Parliament shall inform the
Commission thereof.
4. On the basis of that summary report, Parliament shall adopt a resolution at the July part-session, outlining its
position and including in particular requests based on legislative initiative reports.
5. Each year in the first part-session of September, a State of the Union debate will be held in which the President of the
Commission shall deliver an address, taking stock of the current year and looking ahead to priorities for the
following years. To that end, the President of the Commission will in parallel set out in writing to Parliament the
main elements guiding the preparation of the Commission Work Programme for the following year.
6. From the start of September, the competent parliamentary committees and the relevant Members of the Commission
may meet for a more detailed exchange of views on future priorities in each policy area. These meetings shall be
rounded off by a meeting between the Conference of Committee Chairs and the College of Commissioners and by a
meeting between the Conference of Presidents and the President of the Commission, as appropriate.
7. In October, the Commission shall adopt its Work Programme for the following year. Subsequently, the President of
the Commission shall present that Work Programme to Parliament at an appropriate level.
8. Parliament may hold a debate and adopt a resolution at the December part-session.
9. This timetable shall be applied to each regular programming cycle, except for Parliament election years coinciding
with the end of the Commission’s term of office.
10. This timetable shall not prejudice any future agreement on interinstitutional programming.

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ANNEX XV
REGULATION (EC) No 1049/2001 ON PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS
European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to
European Parliament, Council and Commission documents ( 1 )
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 255(2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ( 2 ),
Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty ( 3 ),
Whereas:
(1)
The second subparagraph of Article 1 of the Treaty on European Union enshrines the concept of openness, stating
that the Treaty marks a new stage in the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe, in
which decisions are taken as openly as possible and as closely as possible to the citizen.
(2) Openness
enables
citizens
to
participate
more
closely
in
the
decision-making
process
and
guarantees
that
the
administration enjoys greater legitimacy and is more effective and more accountable to the citizen in a democratic
system. Openness contributes to strengthening the principles of democracy and respect for fundamental rights as
laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
(3) The
conclusions
of
the
European
Council
meetings
held
at
Birmingham,
Edinburgh
and
Copenhagen
stressed
the
need to introduce greater transparency into the work of the Union institutions. This Regulation consolidates the
initiatives that the institutions have already taken with a view to improving the transparency of the decision-
making process.
(4)
The purpose of this Regulation is to give the fullest possible effect to the right of public access to documents and
to lay down the general principles and limits on such access in accordance with Article 255(2) of the EC Treaty.
(5)
Since the question of access to documents is not covered by provisions of the Treaty establishing the European
Coal and Steel Community and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, the European
Parliament, the Council and the Commission should, in accordance with Declaration No 41 attached to the Final
Act of the Treaty of Amsterdam, draw guidance from this Regulation as regards documents concerning the
activities covered by those two Treaties.
(6) Wider
access
should
be
granted
to
documents
in
cases
where
the
institutions
are
acting
in
their
legislative
capacity,
including under delegated powers, while at the same time preserving the effectiveness of the institutions’ decision-
making process. Such documents should be made directly accessible to the greatest possible extent.
(7)
In accordance with Articles 28(1) and 41(1) of the EU Treaty, the right of access also applies to documents
relating to the common foreign and security policy and to police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters.
Each institution should respect its security rules.
(8)
In order to ensure the full application of this Regulation to all activities of the Union, all agencies established by
the institutions should apply the principles laid down in this Regulation.
(9)
On account of their highly sensitive content, certain documents should be given special treatment. Arrangements
for informing the European Parliament of the content of such documents should be made through interinstitu
tional agreement.
(10)
In order to bring about greater openness in the work of the institutions, access to documents should be granted
by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission not only to documents drawn up by the insti
tutions, but also to documents received by them. In this context, it is recalled that Declaration No 35 attached to
the Final Act of the Treaty of Amsterdam provides that a Member State may request the Commission or the
Council not to communicate to third parties a document originating from that State without its prior agreement.
( 1 ) OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.
( 2 ) OJ C 177 E, 27.6.2000, p. 70.
( 3 ) Opinion of the European Parliament of 3 May 2001 and Council Decision of 28 May 2001.

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(11)
In principle, all documents of the institutions should be accessible to the public. However, certain public and
private interests should be protected by way of exceptions. The institutions should be entitled to protect their
internal consultations and deliberations where necessary to safeguard their ability to carry out their tasks. In
assessing the exceptions, the institutions should take account of the principles in Community legislation
concerning the protection of personal data, in all areas of Union activities.
(12) All
rules
concerning
access
to
documents
of
the
institutions
should
be
in
conformity
with
this
Regulation.
(13)
In order to ensure that the right of access is fully respected, a two-stage administrative procedure should apply,
with the additional possibility of court proceedings or complaints to the Ombudsman.
(14)
Each institution should take the measures necessary to inform the public of the new provisions in force and to
train its staff to assist citizens exercising their rights under this Regulation. In order to make it easier for citizens
to exercise their rights, each institution should provide access to a register of documents.
(15)
Even though it is neither the object nor the effect of this Regulation to amend national legislation on access to
documents, it is nevertheless clear that, by virtue of the principle of loyal cooperation which governs relations
between the institutions and the Member States, Member States should take care not to hamper the proper
application of this Regulation and should respect the security rules of the institutions.
(16) This Regulation is without prejudice to existing rights of access to documents for Member States, judicial
authorities or investigative bodies.
(17) In
accordance
with
Article
255(3)
of
the
EC
Treaty,
each
institution
lays
down
specific
provisions
regarding
access
to its documents in its rules of procedure. Council Decision 93/731/EC of 20 December 1993 on public access to
Council documents ( 1 ), Commission Decision 94/90/ECSC, EC, Euratom of 8 February 1994 on public access to
Commission documents ( 2 ), European Parliament Decision 97/632/EC, ECSC, Euratom of 10 July 1997 on public
access to European Parliament documents ( 3 ), and the rules on confidentiality of Schengen documents should
therefore, if necessary, be modified or be repealed,
HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
Purpose
The purpose of this Regulation is:
(a) to define the principles, conditions and limits on grounds of public or private interest governing the right of access to
European Parliament, Council and Commission (hereinafter referred to as ‘the institutions’) documents provided for in
Article 255 of the EC Treaty in such a way as to ensure the widest possible access to documents;
(b) to establish rules ensuring the easiest possible exercise of this right; and
(c) to promote good administrative practice on access to documents.
Article 2
Beneficiaries and scope
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 documents of the institutions, subject to the principles, conditions and limits defined in this
Regulation.
2. The institutions may, subject to the same principles, conditions and limits, grant access to documents to any natural
or legal person not residing or not having its registered office in a Member State.
3. This Regulation shall apply to all documents held by an institution, that is to say, documents drawn up or received
by it and in its possession, in all areas of activity of the European Union.
( 1 ) OJ L 340, 31.12.1993, p. 43. Decision as last amended by Decision 2000/527/EC (OJ L 212, 23.8.2000, p. 9).
( 2 ) OJ L 46, 18.2.1994, p. 58. Decision as amended by Decision 96/567/EC, ECSC, Euratom (OJ L 247, 28.9.1996, p. 45).
( 3 ) OJ L 263, 25.9.1997, p. 27.

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4. Without prejudice to Articles 4 and 9, documents shall be made accessible to the public either following a written
application or directly in electronic form or through a register. In particular, documents drawn up or received in the
course of a legislative procedure shall be made directly accessible in accordance with Article 12.
5. Sensitive
documents
as
defined
in
Article
9(1)
shall
be
subject
to
special
treatment
in
accordance
with
that
Article.
6. This Regulation shall be without prejudice to rights of public access to documents held by the institutions which
might follow from instruments of international law or acts of the institutions implementing them.
Article 3
Definitions
For the purpose of this Regulation:
(a) ‘document’ shall mean any content whatever its medium (written on paper or stored in electronic form or as a sound,
visual or audiovisual recording) concerning a matter relating to the policies, activities and decisions falling within the
institution’s sphere of responsibility;
(b) ‘third party’ shall mean any natural or legal person, or any entity outside the institution concerned, including the
Member States, other Community or non-Community institutions and bodies and third countries.
Article 4
Exceptions
1. The
institutions
shall
refuse
access
to
a
document
where
disclosure
would
undermine
the
protection
of:
(a) the public interest as regards:
— public security,
— defence and military matters,
— international relations,
— the financial, monetary or economic policy of the Community or a Member State;
(b) privacy and the integrity of the individual, in particular in accordance with Community legislation regarding the
protection of personal data.
2. The
institutions
shall
refuse
access
to
a
document
where
disclosure
would
undermine
the
protection
of:
— commercial interests of a natural or legal person, including intellectual property,
— court proceedings and legal advice,
— the purpose of inspections, investigations and audits,
unless there is an overriding public interest in disclosure.
3. Access to a document, drawn up by an institution for internal use or received by an institution, which relates to a
matter where the decision has not been taken by the institution, shall be refused if disclosure of the document would
seriously undermine the institution’s decision-making process, unless there is an overriding public interest in disclosure.
Access to a document containing opinions for internal use as part of deliberations and preliminary consultations within
the institution concerned shall be refused even after the decision has been taken if disclosure of the document would
seriously undermine the institution’s decision-making process, unless there is an overriding public interest in disclosure.
4. As regards third-party documents, the institution shall consult the third party with a view to assessing whether an
exception in paragraph 1 or 2 is applicable, unless it is clear that the document shall or shall not be disclosed.
5.
A Member State may request the institution not to disclose a document originating from that Member State without
its prior agreement.

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6. If only parts of the requested document are covered by any of the exceptions, the remaining parts of the document
shall be released.
7. The
exceptions
as
laid
down
in
paragraphs
1
to
3
shall
only
apply
for
the
period
during
which
protection
is
justified
on the basis of the content of the document. The exceptions may apply for a maximum period of 30 years. In the case of
documents covered by the exceptions relating to privacy or commercial interests and in the case of sensitive documents,
the exceptions may, if necessary, continue to apply after this period.
Article 5
Documents in the Member States
Where a Member State receives a request for a document in its possession, originating from an institution, unless it is
clear that the document shall or shall not be disclosed, the Member State shall consult with the institution concerned in
order to take a decision that does not jeopardise the attainment of the objectives of this Regulation.
The Member State may instead refer the request to the institution.
Article 6
Applications
1. Applications for access to a document shall be made in any written form, including electronic form, in one of the
languages referred to in Article 314 of the EC Treaty and in a sufficiently precise manner to enable the institution to
identify the document. The applicant is not obliged to state reasons for the application.
2. If an application is not sufficiently precise, the institution shall ask the applicant to clarify the application and shall
assist the applicant in doing so, for example, by providing information on the use of the public registers of documents.
3. In the event of an application relating to a very long document or to a very large number of documents, the
institution concerned may confer with the applicant informally, with a view to finding a fair solution.
4. The institutions shall provide information and assistance to citizens on how and where applications for access to
documents can be made.
Article 7
Processing of initial applications
1. An application for access to a document shall be handled promptly. An acknowledgement of receipt shall be sent to
the applicant. Within 15 working days from registration of the application, the institution shall either grant access to the
document requested and provide access in accordance with Article 10 within that period or, in a written reply, state the
reasons for the total or partial refusal and inform the applicant of his or her right to make a confirmatory application in
accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article.
2. In the event of a total or partial refusal, the applicant may, within 15 working days of receiving the institution’s
reply, make a confirmatory application asking the institution to reconsider its position.
3. In exceptional cases, for example in the event of an application relating to a very long document or to a very large
number of documents, the time limit provided for in paragraph 1 may be extended by 15 working days, provided that
the applicant is notified in advance and that detailed reasons are given.
4. Failure by the institution to reply within the prescribed time limit shall entitle the applicant to make a confirmatory
application.
Article 8
Processing of confirmatory applications
1. A
confirmatory
application
shall
be
handled
promptly.
Within
15
working
days
from
registration
of
such
an
application, the institution shall either grant access to the document requested and provide access in accordance with
Article 10 within that period or, in a written reply, state the reasons for the total or partial refusal. In the event of a total
or partial refusal, the institution shall inform the applicant of the remedies open to him or her, namely instituting court
proceedings against the institution and/or making a complaint to the Ombudsman, under the conditions laid down in
Articles 230 and 195 of the EC Treaty, respectively.
2. In exceptional cases, for example in the event of an application relating to a very long document or to a very large
number of documents, the time limit provided for in paragraph 1 may be extended by 15 working days, provided that
the applicant is notified in advance and that detailed reasons are given.

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3. Failure by the institution to reply within the prescribed time limit shall be considered as a negative reply and entitle
the applicant to institute court proceedings against the institution and/or make a complaint to the Ombudsman, under
the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty.
Article 9
Treatment of sensitive documents
1. Sensitive documents are documents originating from the institutions or the agencies established by them, from
Member States, third countries or International Organisations, classified as ‘TRS SECRET/TOP SECRET’, ‘SECRET’ or
‘CONFIDENTIEL’ in accordance with the rules of the institution concerned, which protect essential interests of the
European Union or of one or more of its Member States in the areas covered by Article 4(1)(a), notably public
security, defence and military matters.
2. Applications for access to sensitive documents under the procedures laid down in Articles 7 and 8 shall be handled
only by those persons who have a right to acquaint themselves with those documents. These persons shall also, without
prejudice to Article 11(2), assess which references to sensitive documents could be made in the public register.
3. Sensitive documents shall be recorded in the register or released only with the consent of the originator.
4. An institution which decides to refuse access to a sensitive document shall give the reasons for its decision in a
manner which does not harm the interests protected in Article 4.
5. Member
States
shall
take
appropriate
measures
to
ensure
that
when
handling
applications
for
sensitive
documents
the principles in this Article and Article 4 are respected.
6. The
rules
of
the
institutions
concerning
sensitive
documents
shall
be
made
public.
7. The Commission and the Council shall inform the European Parliament regarding sensitive documents in
accordance with arrangements agreed between the institutions.
Article 10
Access following an application
1. The applicant shall have access to documents either by consulting them on the spot or by receiving a copy,
including, where available, an electronic copy, according to the applicant’s preference. The cost of producing and
sending copies may be charged to the applicant. This charge shall not exceed the real cost of producing and sending
the copies. Consultation on the spot, copies of less than 20 A4 pages and direct access in electronic form or through the
register shall be free of charge.
2. If a document has already been released by the institution concerned and is easily accessible to the applicant, the
institution may fulfil its obligation of granting access to documents by informing the applicant how to obtain the
requested document.
3. Documents shall be supplied in an existing version and format (including electronically or in an alternative format
such as Braille, large print or tape) with full regard to the applicant’s preference.
Article 11
Registers
1. To make citizens’ rights under this Regulation effective, each institution shall provide public access to a register of
documents. Access to the register should be provided in electronic form. References to documents shall be recorded in
the register without delay.
2. For each document the register shall contain a reference number (including, where applicable, the interinstitutional
reference), the subject matter and/or a short description of the content of the document and the date on which it was
received or drawn up and recorded in the register. References shall be made in a manner which does not undermine
protection of the interests in Article 4.
3. The institutions shall immediately take the measures necessary to establish a register which shall be operational by
3 June 2002.

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Article 12
Direct access in electronic form or through a register
1. The institutions shall as far as possible make documents directly accessible to the public in electronic form or
through a register in accordance with the rules of the institution concerned.
2. In
particular,
legislative
documents,
that
is
to
say,
documents
drawn
up
or
received
in
the
course
of
procedures
for
the adoption of acts which are legally binding in or for the Member States, should, subject to Articles 4 and 9, be made
directly accessible.
3. Where
possible,
other
documents,
notably
documents
relating
to
the
development
of
policy
or
strategy,
should
be
made directly accessible.
4. Where direct access is not given through the register, the register shall as far as possible indicate where the
document is located.
Article 13
Publication in the Official Journal
1. In addition to the acts referred to in Article 254(1) and (2) of the EC Treaty and the first paragraph of Article 163
of the Euratom Treaty, the following documents shall, subject to Articles 4 and 9 of this Regulation, be published in the
Official Journal:
(a) Commission proposals;
(b) common positions adopted by the Council in accordance with the procedures referred to in Articles 251 and 252 of
the EC Treaty and the reasons underlying those common positions, as well as the European Parliament’s positions in
these procedures;
(c) framework decisions and decisions referred to in Article 34(2) of the EU Treaty;
(d) conventions established by the Council in accordance with Article 34(2) of the EU Treaty;
(e) conventions signed between Member States on the basis of Article 293 of the EC Treaty;
(f) international agreements concluded by the Community or in accordance with Article 24 of the EU Treaty.
2. As
far
as
possible,
the
following
documents
shall
be
published
in
the
Official
Journal:
(a) initiatives presented to the Council by a Member State pursuant to Article 67(1) of the EC Treaty or pursuant to
Article 34(2) of the EU Treaty;
(b) common positions referred to in Article 34(2) of the EU Treaty;
(c) directives other than those referred to in Article 254(1) and (2) of the EC Treaty, decisions other than those referred
to in Article 254(1) of the EC Treaty, recommendations and opinions.
3. Each institution may in its rules of procedure establish which further documents shall be published in the Official
Journal.
Article 14
Information
1.
Each institution shall take the requisite measures to inform the public of the rights they enjoy under this Regulation.
2. The Member States shall cooperate with the institutions in providing information to the citizens.
Article 15
Administrative practice in the institutions
1. The
institutions
shall
develop
good
administrative
practices
in
order
to
facilitate
the
exercise
of
the
right
of
access
guaranteed by this Regulation.
2. The
institutions
shall
establish
an
interinstitutional
committee
to
examine
best
practice,
address
possible
conflicts
and discuss future developments on public access to documents.

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Article 16
Reproduction of documents
This Regulation shall be without prejudice to any existing rules on copyright which may limit a third party’s right to
reproduce or exploit released documents.
Article 17
Reports
1. Each institution shall publish annually a report for the preceding year including the number of cases in which the
institution refused to grant access to documents, the reasons for such refusals and the number of sensitive documents not
recorded in the register.
2. At the latest by 31 January 2004, the Commission shall publish a report on the implementation of the principles of
this Regulation and shall make recommendations, including, if appropriate, proposals for the revision of this Regulation
and an action programme of measures to be taken by the institutions.
Article 18
Application measures
1. Each institution shall adapt its rules of procedure to the provisions of this Regulation. The adaptations shall take
effect from 3 December 2001.
2. Within 6 months of the entry into force of this Regulation, the Commission shall examine the conformity of
Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983 concerning the opening to the public of the historical
archives of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community ( 1 ) with this Regulation in
order to ensure the preservation and archiving of documents to the fullest extent possible.
3. Within 6 months of the entry into force of this Regulation, the Commission shall examine the conformity of the
existing rules on access to documents with this Regulation.
Article 19
Entry into force
This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European
Union.
It shall be applicable from 3 December 2001.
( 1 ) OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1.

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ANNEX XVI
GUIDELINES FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF THE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
1. A
distinction
should
be
drawn
between
visual
actions,
which
may
be
tolerated
provided
they
are
not
offensive
and/or defamatory, remain within reasonable bounds and do not lead to conflict, and those which actively disrupt any
parliamentary activity whatsoever.
2. Members shall be held responsible for any failure by persons whom they employ or for whom they arrange access
to Parliament to comply on Parliament’s premises with the standards of conduct applicable to Members.
The President or his representatives may exercise disciplinary powers over such persons and any other outside person
present on Parliament’s premises.

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ANNEX XVII
GUIDELINES FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSION
1. The following principles, criteria and arrangements shall apply for making the entire College of the Commission
subject to Parliament’s vote of consent.
(a) Basis for assessment
Parliament shall evaluate Commissioners-designate on the basis of their general competence, European commitment and
personal independence. It shall assess knowledge of their prospective portfolio and their communication skills.
Parliament shall have particular regard to gender balance. It may express itself on the allocation of portfolio responsi
bilities by the President-elect.
Parliament may seek any information relevant to its reaching a decision on the aptitude of the Commissioners-designate.
It shall expect full disclosure of information relating to their financial interests.
(b) Hearings
Each Commissioner-designate shall be invited to appear before the appropriate committee or committees for a single
hearing. The hearings shall be held in public.
The hearings shall be organised jointly by the Conference of Presidents and the Conference of Committee Chairs.
Appropriate arrangements shall be made to associate relevant committees where portfolios are mixed. There are three
options:
(i) if the portfolio of the Commissioner-designate falls within the remit of a single committee, the Commissioner-
designate shall be heard by that committee alone;
(ii) if the portfolio of the Commissioner-designate falls more or less equally within the remit of more than one
committee, the Commissioner-designate shall be heard jointly by those committees; and
(iii) if the portfolio of the Commissioner-designate falls mainly within the remit of one committee and only to a small
extent within the remit of at least one other committee, the Commissioner-designate shall be heard by the committee
mainly responsible, which shall invite the other committee or committees to attend the hearing.
The President-elect of the Commission shall be fully consulted on the arrangements.
The committees shall submit written questions to the Commissioners-designate in good time before the hearings. The
number of substantive written questions shall be limited to five per committee responsible.
Hearings shall take place in circumstances, and under conditions, in which Commissioners-designate enjoy an equal and
fair opportunity to present themselves and their opinions.
Commissioners-designate shall be invited to make an opening oral statement of no longer than 20 minutes. The conduct
of the hearings shall aim to develop a pluralistic political dialogue between the Commissioners-designate and the
Members. Before the end of the hearing, Commissioners-designate shall be given the opportunity to make a brief
closing statement.
(c) Evaluation
An indexed video recording of the hearings shall be made available for the public record within 24 hours.
The committees shall meet without delay after the hearing to evaluate the individual Commissioners-designate. Those
meetings shall be held in camera. The committees shall be invited to state whether, in their opinion, the Commissioners-
designate are qualified both to be members of the College and to carry out the particular duties they have been assigned.
If the committee is unable to reach a consensus on both of those points, its Chair shall, as a last resort, put the two
decisions to the vote by secret ballot. The committees’ statements of evaluation shall be made public and presented at a
joint meeting of the Conference of Presidents and the Conference of Committee Chairs, which shall be held in camera.
Following an exchange of views, the Conference of Presidents and the Conference of Committee Chairs shall declare the
hearings closed unless they decide to seek further information.
The President-elect of the Commission shall present the whole College of Commissioners-designate and their programme
at a sitting of Parliament which the whole Council shall be invited to attend. The presentation shall be followed by a
debate. In order to wind up the debate, any political group or at least 40 Members may table a motion for resolution.
Rule 110(3), (4) and (5) shall apply. Following the vote on the motion for resolution, Parliament shall vote on whether or
not to give its consent to the appointment, as a body, of the President-elect and Commissioners-designate. Parliament
shall decide by a majority of the votes cast, by roll call. It may defer the vote until the following sitting.

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2. The following arrangements shall apply in the event of a change in the composition of the College of Commis
sioners or a substantial portfolio change during its term of office:
(a) when a vacancy caused by resignation, compulsory retirement or death is to be filled, Parliament, acting with dispatch,
shall invite the Commissioner-designate to participate in a hearing under the same conditions as those laid down in
paragraph 1;
(b) in the event of the accession of a new Member State, Parliament shall invite the Commissioner-designate to participate
in a hearing under the same conditions as those laid down in paragraph 1;
(c) in the event of a substantial portfolio change, the Commissioners affected shall be invited to appear before the
committees concerned before taking up their new responsibilities.
By way of derogation from the procedure laid down in paragraph 1(c), third subparagraph, when the vote in plenary
concerns the appointment of a single Commissioner, the vote shall be by secret ballot.

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ANNEX XVIII
PROCEDURE FOR GRANTING AUTHORISATION TO DRAW UP OWN-INITIATIVE REPORTS
DECISION OF THE CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS OF 12 DECEMBER 2002 ( 1 )
THE CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS,
having regard to Rules 25, 27, 119, 120, 35, 42, 45, 47, 48, 50, 202(2) and 205(2) of the Rules of Procedure;
having regard to the proposal from the Conference of Committee Chairs and the Working Party on Parliamentary
Reform;
whereas, following the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 12 December 2007, the decision of the Conference of
12 December 2002 should be amended,
HAS DECIDED:
Article 1
General provisions
Scope
1. This
decision
shall
apply
to
the
following
categories
of
own-initiative
reports:
(a) Legislative Own-Initiative Reports, drawn up on the basis of Article 192 EC Treaty and Rule 42 of the Rules of
Procedure;
(b) Strategic Reports, drawn up on the basis of non-legislative strategic and priority initiatives included in the
Commission’s annual legislative and work programme;
(c) Non-Legislative Own-Initiative Reports, not drawn up on the basis of a document of another Institution or body of
the European Union or drawn up on the basis of a document forwarded to Parliament for information, without
prejudice to Article 2(3);
(d) Annual Activity and Monitoring Reports (as listed in Annex 1) ( 2 );
(e) Implementation Reports on the transposition of EU legislation into national law and the implementation and
enforcement thereof in Member States.
Quota
2. Each
parliamentary
committee
may
simultaneously
draft
up
to
six
own-initiative
reports.
For
committees
with
sub-
committees, this quota shall be increased by one report per sub-committee. This additional report shall be drawn up by
the sub-committee.
The following shall not be subject to that ceiling:
— legislative own-initiative reports,
— implementation reports; each committee may draw up one such report a year.
Minimum period before adoption
3. The
parliamentary
committee
seeking
authorisation
may
not
adopt
the
report
in
question
within
the
3
months
following the date of authorisation or, in the case of notification, within the 3 months following the date of the meeting
of the Conference of Committee Chairs at which the report was notified.
Article 2
Conditions for authorisation
1. The
proposed
report
must
not
deal
with
topics
principally
involving
analysis
and
research
activities
which
may
be
covered in other ways, for example by studies.
( 1 ) This Decision was amended by a decision of the Conference of Presidents of 26 June 2003 and was consolidated on 3 May 2004. It
was further amended by a decision adopted in plenary on 15 June 2006 concerning the interpretation of Rule 48 of the Rules of
Procedure and by a decision of the Conference of Presidents of 14 February 2008.
( 2 ) Parliamentary committees envisaging the drawing-up of annual activity and monitoring reports pursuant to Rule 119(1) of the Rules of
Procedure or pursuant to other legal provisions (as included in Annex 2) shall give advance notification thereof to the Conference of
Committee Chairs, indicating in particular, the relevant legal basis deriving from the Treaties and other legal provisions, including
Parliament’s Rules of Procedure. The Conference of Committee Chairs shall subsequently notify them to the Conference of Presidents.
Such reports shall be authorised automatically and shall not be subject to the quota referred to in Article 1(2).

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2. The
proposed
report
must
not
deal
with
topics
which
have
already
been
the
subject
of
a
report
adopted
in
plenary
during the previous 12 months, save where new information justifies it on an exceptional basis.
3. With regard to reports to be drawn up on the basis of a document forwarded to Parliament for information, the
following conditions shall apply:
— the basic document must be an official document from an institution or body of the European Union and:
(a) have been forwarded officially to Parliament for consultation or information; or
(b) have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union for the purpose of consultations with interested
parties; or
(c) be a document from an institution or body of the European Union which has been officially submitted to the
European Council or a document produced by the latter,
— the document must be forwarded in all the official languages of the European Union,
— the request for authorisation must be submitted no later than 4 months after the date on which the document in
question was forwarded to Parliament or on which it was published in the Official Journal.
4. Reports not referring to a basic document from a Community institution must not deal with topics to which
specific reference has already been made in the annual legislative and work programme presented by the Commission and
approved by Parliament for the current year.
Article 3
Procedure
Automatic authorisation
1. Authorisation shall be granted automatically after notification of the request to the Conference of Committee Chairs
for
— implementation reports,
— annual activity and monitoring reports, as listed in Annex 1.
Role of the Conference of Committee Chairs
2. Duly
substantiated
requests
for
authorisation
shall
be
forwarded
to
the
Conference
of
Committee
Chairs,
which
shall
ascertain their compliance with the criteria set out in Articles 1 and 2 and with the quota established in Article 1. All
such requests shall contain an indication of the type and the exact title of the report and the basic document(s), if any.
3. Requests
for
authorisation
to
draw
up
strategic
reports
shall
be
granted
by
the
Conference
of
Committee
Chairs
after
resolution of any conflict of competence. The Conference of Presidents may, at the specific request of a political group,
revoke such authorisation within no more than 4 parliamentary business weeks.
4. The Conference of Committee Chairs shall forward to the Conference of Presidents, for authorisation, requests to
draw up legislative own-initiative and non-legislative own-initiative reports that are assessed as being in compliance with
the criteria and quota allocated. The Conference of Committee Chairs shall at the same time notify the Conference of
Presidents of any annual activity and monitoring reports, as listed in Annexes 1 and 2, implementation reports and
strategic reports that have been authorised.
Authorisation by the Conference of Presidents and resolution of conflicts of competence
5. The
Conference
of
Presidents
shall
adopt
a
decision
on
requests
for
authorisation
to
draw
up
legislative
own-
initiative and non-legislative own-initiative reports within no more than 4 parliamentary business weeks after they have
been forwarded by the Conference of Committee Chairs, unless it decides, on exceptional grounds, to extend that
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6. If a committee’s competence to draw up a report is challenged, the Conference of Presidents shall take a decision
within 6 parliamentary business weeks on the basis of a recommendation from the Conference of Committee Chairs or, if
no such recommendation is forthcoming, its chair. If the Conference of Presidents fails to take a decision within that
period, the recommendation shall be declared to have been approved ( 1 ).
Article 4
Application of Rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure - procedure with associated committees ( 2 )
1. Requests for the application of Rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure shall be submitted no later than the Monday
preceding the meeting of the Conference of Committee Chairs at which requests to draw up own-initiative reports are to
be dealt with.
2. The Conference of Committee Chairs shall deal with requests for authorisation to draw up own-initiative reports
and those for the application of Rule 50 at its monthly meeting.
3. If the committees concerned fail to reach agreement on the request for application of Rule 50, the Conference of
Presidents shall take a decision within 6 parliamentary business weeks on the basis of a recommendation from the
Conference of Committee Chairs or, if no such recommendation is forthcoming, its chair. If the Conference of Presidents
fails to take a decision within that period, the recommendation shall be declared to have been approved ( 3 ).
Article 5
Final provisions
1. Towards the end of the parliamentary term, requests for authorisation to draw up own-initiative reports must be
submitted no later than in the July of the year preceding the elections. After that date, only duly substantiated exceptional
requests shall be authorised.
2. The Conference of Committee Chairs shall submit to the Conference of Presidents a report on the progress of own-
initiative reports every 2 years.
3. This decision shall enter into force on 12 December 2002. It cancels and replaces the following decisions:
— decision of the Conference of Presidents of 9 December 1999 on the procedure for granting authorisation to draw up
own-initiative reports within the meaning of Rule 48 of the Rules of Procedure, and the decisions of the Conference
of Presidents of 15 February and 17 May 2001 updating the annex to that decision,
— decision of the Conference of Presidents of 15 June 2000 on the procedure for authorising the drawing-up of reports
on documents forwarded to the European Parliament for information by other institutions or bodies of the European
Union.
ANNEX 1
ANNUAL ACTIVITY AND MONITORING REPORTS SUBJECT TO AUTOMATIC AUTHORISATION AND TO
THE CEILING OF SIX REPORTS DRAFTED SIMULTANEOUSLY (PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 1(2) AND
ARTICLE 3 OF THE DECISION)
Report on human rights in the world and the EU’s policy on the matter - (Committee on Foreign Affairs)
The Council’s Annual Report in accordance with Operative Provision 8 of the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms
Exports - (Committee on Foreign Affairs)
Report on monitoring and application of Community law - (Committee on Legal Affairs)
Better lawmaking - Application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality - (Committee on Legal Affairs)
Report on the work of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly - (Committee on Development)
( 1 ) This paragraph was inserted following the decision adopted in plenary on 15 June 2006 concerning the interpretation of Rule 48 of
the Rules of Procedure.
( 2 ) This article was inserted by means of a decision of the Conference of Presidents of 26 June 2003.
( 3 ) This paragraph was inserted following the decision adopted in plenary on 15 June 2006 concerning the interpretation of Rule 48 of
the Rules of Procedure.

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Report on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union - (Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home
Affairs)
Report on equality between men and women in the European Union - (Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender
Equality)
Integrated Approach to equality between men and women in the committee’s work (annual report) - (Committee on
Women’s Rights and Gender Equality)
Report on cohesion - (Committee on Regional Development)
Protection of the Communities financial interests fight against fraud - (Committee on Budgetary Control)
Annual Report on the EIB - (Committee on Budgetary Control/Committee on Monetary and Economic Affairs - every 2nd
year)
Public Finances in the EMU - (Committee on Monetary and Economic Affairs)
European economic situation: preparatory report on the integrated policy guidelines, concerning in particular the broad
economic policy guidelines - (Committee on Monetary and Economic Affairs)
ECB annual report - (Committee on Monetary and Economic Affairs)
Report on Competition Policy - (Committee on Monetary and Economic Affairs)
Annual Report on the internal market scoreboard - (Committee on the Internal Market)
Annual Report on consumer protection - (Committee on the Internal Market)
Annual Report on Solvit - (Committee on the Internal Market)
ANNEX 2
ANNUAL ACTIVITY AND MONITORING REPORTS SUBJECT TO AUTOMATIC AUTHORISATION AND
WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THE RULES OF PROCEDURE (NOT SUBJECT TO THE CEILING OF SIX
REPORTS DRAFTED SIMULTANEOUSLY)
Annual Report on public access to Parliament documents, Rule 104(7) - (Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home
Affairs)
Report on European Political Parties, Rule 210(6) - (Committee on Constitutional Affairs)
Report on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions, Rule 202(8) - (Committee on Petitions)
Report on the Ombudsman’s annual report, Rule 205(2) - second part - (Committee on Petitions)

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ANNEX XIX
COMMUNICATING EUROPE IN PARTNERSHIP
Objectives and principles
1. The European Parliament, Council and the European Commission attach the utmost importance to improving
communication on EU issues in order to enable European citizens to exercise their right to participate in the democratic
life of the Union, in which decisions are taken as openly as possible and as closely as possible to the citizens, observing
the principles of pluralism, participation, openness and transparency.
2. The three institutions wish to encourage the convergence of views on the communication priorities of the European
Union as a whole, to promote the added value of an EU approach to communication on European issues, to facilitate
exchanges of information and best practices and develop synergies between the institutions when carrying out communi
cation relating to these priorities, as well as to facilitate cooperation among the institutions and Member States where
appropriate.
3. The
three
institutions
recognise
that
communicating
on
the
European
Union
requires
a
political
commitment
of
EU
institutions and Member States, and that Member States have their responsibility to communicate with citizens about the
EU.
4. The
three
institutions
believe
that
information
and
communication
activities
concerning
European
issues
should
give
everyone access to fair and diverse information about the European Union and enable citizens to exercise their right to
express their views and to participate actively in the public debate on European Union issues.
5. The
three
institutions
promote
the
respect
of
multilingualism
and
cultural
diversity
when
implementing
information
and communication actions.
6. The three institutions are politically committed to achieving the above objectives. They encourage the other EU
institutions and bodies to support their efforts and to contribute, if they so wish, to this approach.
A partnership approach
7. The three institutions recognise the importance of addressing the communication challenge on EU issues in
partnership between Member States and the EU institutions to ensure effective communication with, and objective
information to, the widest possible audience at the appropriate level.
They wish to develop synergies with national, regional and local authorities as well as with representatives of civil society.
They would like for that purpose to foster a pragmatic partnership approach.
8. They recall in this respect the key role of the Interinstitutional Group on Information (IGI) serving as a high-level
framework for the institutions to encourage political debate on EU-related information and communication activities in
order to foster synergy and complementarity. To that purpose, the IGI, co-chaired by representatives of the European
Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, and with the participation of the Committee of the Regions and
the European Economic and Social Committee as observers, meets in principle twice a year.
A framework for working together
The three institutions intend to cooperate on the following basis:
9. Whilst
respecting
the
individual
responsibility
of
each
EU
institution
and
Member
State
for
its
own
communication
strategy and priorities, the three institutions will, in the framework of the IGI, identify yearly a limited number of
common communication priorities.
10. These priorities will be based on communication priorities identified by the EU institutions and bodies following
their internal procedures and complementing, where appropriate, Member States’ strategic views and efforts in this field,
taking into account citizens’ expectations.
11. The
three
institutions
and
the
Member
States
will
endeavour
to
promote
appropriate
support
for
communication
on the priorities identified.
12. The
services
responsible
for
communication
in
Member
States
and
EU
institutions
should
liaise
with
each
other
to
ensure successful implementation of the common communication priorities, as well as other activities linked to EU
communication, if need be on the basis of appropriate administrative arrangements.

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13. The
institutions
and
Member
States
are
invited
to
exchange
information
on
other
EU
related
communication
activities, in particular on sectoral communication activities envisaged by the institutions and bodies, when they result in
information campaigns in Member States.
14. The Commission is invited to report back at the beginning of each year to the other EU institutions on the main
achievements of the implementation of the common communication priorities of the previous year.
15. This
political
declaration
has
been
signed
on
the
twenty-second
day
of
October
in
the
year
two
thousand
and
eight.

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ANNEX XX
JOINT DECLARATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL AND THE COMMISSION OF
13 JUNE 2007 ON PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CODECISION PROCEDURE (ARTICLE 251 OF
THE EC TREATY) ( 1 )
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1. The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, hereinafter referred to collectively as ‘the institutions’,
note that current practice involving talks between the Council Presidency, the Commission and the chairs of the relevant
committees and/or rapporteurs of the European Parliament and between the co-chairs of the Conciliation Committee has
proved its worth.
2. The
institutions
confirm
that
this
practice,
which
has
developed
at
all
stages
of
the
codecision
procedure,
must
continue to be encouraged. The institutions undertake to examine their working methods with a view to making even
more effective use of the full scope of the codecision procedure as established by the EC Treaty.
3. This Joint Declaration clarifies these working methods, and the practical arrangements for pursuing them. It
complements the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Lawmaking ( 2 ) and notably its provisions relating to the co-
decision procedure. The institutions undertake fully to respect such commitments in line with the principles of trans
parency, accountability and efficiency. In this respect, the institutions should pay particular attention to making progress
on simplification proposals while respecting the acquis communautaire.
4.
The institutions shall cooperate in good faith throughout the procedure with a view to reconciling their positions as
far as possible and thereby clearing the way, where appropriate, for the adoption of the act concerned at an early stage of
the procedure.
5. With
that
aim
in
view,
they
shall
cooperate
through
appropriate
interinstitutional
contacts
to
monitor
the
progress
of the work and analyse the degree of convergence at all stages of the codecision procedure.
6. The
institutions,
in
accordance
with
their
internal
rules
of
procedure,
undertake
to
exchange
information
regularly
on the progress of codecision files. They shall ensure that their respective calendars of work are coordinated as far as
possible in order to enable proceedings to be conducted in a coherent and convergent fashion. They will therefore seek to
establish an indicative timetable for the various stages leading to the final adoption of different legislative proposals, while
fully respecting the political nature of the decision-making process.
7. Cooperation between the institutions in the context of codecision often takes the form of tripartite meetings
(‘trialogues’). This trialogue system has demonstrated its vitality and flexibility in increasing significantly the possibilities
for agreement at first and second reading stages, as well as contributing to the preparation of the work of the Conciliation
Committee.
8. Such
trialogues
are
usually
conducted
in
an
informal
framework.
They
may
be
held
at
all
stages
of
the
procedure
and at different levels of representation, depending on the nature of the expected discussion. Each institution, in
accordance with its own rules of procedure, will designate its participants for each meeting, define its mandate for
the negotiations and inform the other institutions of arrangements for the meetings in good time.
9. As
far
as
possible,
any
draft
compromise
texts
submitted
for
discussion
at
a
forthcoming
meeting
shall
be
circulated
in advance to all participants. In order to enhance transparency, trialogues taking place within the European Parliament
and Council shall be announced, where practicable.
10. The Council Presidency will endeavour to attend the meetings of the parliamentary committees. It will carefully
consider any request it receives to provide information related to the Council position, as appropriate.
FIRST READING
11. The
institutions
shall
cooperate
in
good
faith
with
a
view
to
reconciling
their
positions
as
far
as
possible
so
that,
wherever possible, acts can be adopted at first reading.
Agreement at the stage of first reading in the European Parliament
12. Appropriate contacts shall be established to facilitate the conduct of proceedings at first reading.
13. The
Commission
shall
facilitate
such
contacts
and
shall
exercise
its
right
of
initiative
in
a
constructive
manner
with
a view to reconciling the positions of the European Parliament and the Council, with due regard for the balance between
the institutions and the role conferred on it by the Treaty.
( 1 ) OJ C 145, 30.6.2007, p. 5.
( 2 ) OJ C 321, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

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14. Where
an
agreement
is
reached
through
informal
negotiations
in
trialogues,
the
chair
of
Coreper
shall
forward,
in
a letter to the chair of the relevant parliamentary committee, details of the substance of the agreement, in the form of
amendments to the Commission proposal. That letter shall indicate the Council’s willingness to accept that outcome,
subject to legal-linguistic verification, should it be confirmed by the vote in plenary. A copy of that letter shall be
forwarded to the Commission.
15. In
this
context,
where
conclusion
of
a
dossier
at
first
reading
is
imminent,
information
on
the
intention
to
conclude an agreement should be made readily available as early as possible.
Agreement at the stage of Council common position
16. Where no agreement is reached at the European Parliament’s first reading, contacts may be continued with a view
to concluding an agreement at the common position stage.
17. The
Commission
shall
facilitate
such
contacts
and
shall
exercise
its
right
of
initiative
in
a
constructive
manner
with
a view to reconciling the positions of the European Parliament and the Council, with due regard for the balance between
the institutions and the role conferred on it by the Treaty.
18. Where an agreement is reached at this stage, the chair of the relevant parliamentary committee shall indicate, in a
letter to the chair of Coreper, his recommendation to the plenary to accept the Council common position without
amendment, subject to confirmation of the common position by the Council and to legal-linguistic verification. A copy of
the letter shall be forwarded to the Commission.
SECOND READING
19. In
its
statement
of
reasons,
the
Council
shall
explain
as
clearly
as
possible
the
reasons
that
led
it
to
adopt
its
common position. During its second reading, the European Parliament shall take the greatest possible account of those
reasons and of the Commission’s position.
20. Before transmitting the common position, the Council shall endeavour to consider in consultation with the
European Parliament and the Commission the date for its transmission in order to ensure the maximum efficiency of
the legislative procedure at second reading.
Agreement at the stage of second reading in the European Parliament
21. Appropriate contacts will continue as soon as the Council common position is forwarded to the European
Parliament, with a view to achieving a better understanding of the respective positions and thus to bringing the legislative
procedure to a conclusion as quickly as possible.
22. The
Commission
shall
facilitate
such
contacts
and
give
its
opinion
with
a
view
to
reconciling
the
positions
of
the
European Parliament and the Council, with due regard for the balance between the institutions and the role conferred on
it by the Treaty.
23. Where
an
agreement
is
reached
through
informal
negotiations
in
trialogues,
the
chair
of
Coreper
shall
forward,
in
a letter to the chair of the relevant parliamentary committee, details of the substance of the agreement, in the form of
amendments to the Council common position. That letter shall indicate the Council’s willingness to accept that outcome,
subject to legal-linguistic verification, should it be confirmed by the vote in plenary. A copy of that letter shall be
forwarded to the Commission.
CONCILIATION
24. If it becomes clear that the Council will not be in a position to accept all the amendments of the European
Parliament at second reading and when the Council is ready to present its position, a first trialogue will be organised.
Each institution, in accordance with its own rules of procedure, will designate its participants for each meeting and define
its mandate for the negotiations. The Commission will indicate to both delegations at the earliest possible stage its
intentions with regard to its opinion on the European Parliament’s second reading amendments.
25. Trialogues shall take place throughout the conciliation procedure with the aim of resolving outstanding issues and
preparing the ground for an agreement to be reached in the Conciliation Committee. The results of the trialogues shall be
discussed and possibly approved at the meetings of the respective institutions.
26. The Conciliation Committee shall be convened by the President of the Council, with the agreement of the
President of the European Parliament and with due regard to the provisions of the Treaty.
27. The Commission shall take part in the conciliation proceedings and shall take all the necessary initiatives with a
view to reconciling the positions of the European Parliament and the Council. Such initiatives may include, draft
compromise texts having regard to the positions of the European Parliament and of the Council and with due regard
for the role conferred upon the Commission by the Treaty.
28. The Conciliation Committee shall be chaired jointly by the President of the European Parliament and the President
of the Council. Committee meetings shall be chaired alternately by each co-chair.
29. The dates and the agendas for the Conciliation Committee’s meetings shall be set jointly by the co-chairs with a
view to the effective functioning of the Conciliation Committee throughout the conciliation procedure. The Commission
shall be consulted on the dates envisaged. The European Parliament and the Council shall set aside, for guidance,
appropriate dates for conciliation proceedings and shall notify the Commission thereof.

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30. The co-chairs may put several dossiers on the agenda of any one meeting of the Conciliation Committee. As well
as the principal topic (‘B-item’), where agreement has not yet been reached, conciliation procedures on other topics may
be opened and/or closed without discussion on these items (‘A-item’).
31. While respecting the Treaty provisions regarding time limits, the European Parliament and the Council shall, as far
as possible, take account of scheduling requirements, in particular those resulting from breaks in the institutions’ activities
and from the European Parliament’s elections. At all events, the break in activities shall be as short as possible.
32. The Conciliation Committee shall meet alternately at the premises of the European Parliament and the Council,
with a view to an equal sharing of facilities, including interpretation facilities.
33.
The Conciliation Committee shall have available to it the Commission proposal, the Council common position and
the Commission’s opinion thereon, the amendments proposed by the European Parliament and the Commission’s opinion
thereon, and a joint working document by the European Parliament and Council delegations. This working document
should enable users to identify the issues at stake easily and to refer to them efficiently. The Commission shall, as a
general rule, submit its opinion within 3 weeks of official receipt of the outcome of the European Parliament’s vote and at
the latest by the commencement of conciliation proceedings.
34. The co-chairs may submit texts for the Conciliation Committee’s approval.
35. Agreement on a joint text shall be established at a meeting of the Conciliation Committee or, subsequently, by an
exchange of letters between the co-chairs. Copies of such letters shall be forwarded to the Commission.
36. If the Conciliation Committee reaches agreement on a joint text, the text shall, after legal-linguistic finalisation, be
submitted to the co-chairs for formal approval. However, in exceptional cases in order to respect the deadlines, a draft
joint text may be submitted to the co-chairs for approval.
37. The co-chairs shall forward the approved joint text to the Presidents of the European Parliament and of the
Council by means of a jointly signed letter. Where the Conciliation Committee is unable to agree on a joint text, the co-
chairs shall notify the Presidents of the European Parliament and of the Council thereof in a jointly signed letter. Such
letters shall serve as an official record. Copies of such letters shall be forwarded to the Commission for information. The
working documents used during the conciliation procedure will be accessible in the Register of each institution once the
procedure has been concluded.
38. The Secretariat of the European Parliament and the General- Secretariat of the Council shall act jointly as the
Conciliation Committee’s secretariat, in association with the Secretariat-General of the Commission.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
39. Should the European Parliament or the Council deem it essential to extend the time limits referred to in
Article 251 of the Treaty, they shall notify the President of the other institution and the Commission accordingly.
40. Where
an
agreement
is
reached
at
first
or
second
reading,
or
during
conciliation,
the
agreed
text
shall
be
finalised
by the legal-linguistic services of the European Parliament and of the Council acting in close cooperation and by mutual
agreement.
41. No changes shall be made to any agreed texts without the explicit agreement, at the appropriate level, of both the
European Parliament and the Council.
42. Finalisation
shall
be
carried
out
with
due
regard
to
the
different
procedures
of
the
European
Parliament
and
the
Council, in particular with respect to deadlines for conclusion of internal procedures. The institutions undertake not to
use the time limits laid down for the legal-linguistic finalisation of acts to reopen discussions on substantive issues.
43. The European Parliament and the Council shall agree on a common presentation of the texts prepared jointly by
those institutions.
44. As
far
as
possible,
the
institutions
undertake
to
use
mutually
acceptable
standard
clauses
to
be
incorporated
in
the
acts adopted under codecision in particular as regards provisions concerning the exercise of implementing powers (in
accordance with the ‘comitology’ decision ( 1 )), entry into force, transposition and the application of acts and respect for
the Commission’s right of initiative.
45. The
institutions
will
endeavour
to
hold
a
joint
press
conference
to
announce
the
successful
outcome
of
the
legislative process at first or second reading or during conciliation. They will also endeavour to issue joint press releases.
( 1 ) Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the
Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23). Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

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46. Following
adoption
of
a
legislative
act
under
the
codecision
procedure
by
the
European
Parliament
and
the
Council, the text shall be submitted, for signature, to the President of the European Parliament and the President of
the Council and to the Secretaries-General of those institutions.
47. The Presidents of the European Parliament and the Council shall receive the text for signature in their respective
languages and shall, as far as possible, sign the text together at a joint ceremony to be organised on a monthly basis with
a view to signing important acts in the presence of the media.
48. The
jointly
signed
text
shall
be
forwarded
for
publication
in
the Official Journal of the European Union. Publication
shall normally follow within 2 months of the adoption of the legislative act by the European Parliament and the Council.
49. If one of the institutions identifies a clerical or obvious error in a text (or in one of the language versions thereof),
it shall immediately notify the other institutions. If the error concerns an act that has not yet been adopted by either the
European Parliament or the Council, the legal-linguistic services of the European Parliament and the Council shall prepare
the necessary corrigendum in close cooperation. Where this error concerns an act that has already been adopted by one
or both of those institutions, whether published or not, the European Parliament and the Council shall adopt, by
common agreement, a corrigendum drawn up under their respective procedures.

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ANNEX XXI
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR NEGOTIATING IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ORDINARY LEGISLATIVE
PROCEDURES ( 1 )
1. Introduction
This code of conduct sets out general principles within Parliament, on how to conduct negotiations during all stages of
the ordinary legislative procedure with the aim of increasing their transparency and accountability, especially at an early
stage of the procedure ( 2 ). It is complementary to the ‘Joint Declaration on practical arrangements for the codecision
procedure’ agreed between Parliament, the Council and the Commission ( 3 ) which focuses more on the relationship
between these institutions.
Within Parliament, the lead parliamentary committee shall be the main responsible body during negotiations both at first
and second reading.
2. Decision to enter into negotiations
As a general rule, Parliament shall make use of all possibilities offered at all stages of the ordinary legislative procedure.
The decision to seek to achieve an agreement early in the legislative process shall be a case-by-case decision, taking
account of the distinctive characteristics of each individual file. It shall be politically justified in terms of, for example,
political priorities; the uncontroversial or ‘technical’ nature of the proposal; an urgent situation and/or the attitude of a
given Presidency to a specific file.
The possibility of entering into negotiations with the Council shall be presented by the rapporteur to the full committee
and the decision to pursue such a course of action shall be taken either by broad consensus or, if necessary, by a vote.
3. Composition of negotiating team
The decision by the committee to enter into negotiations with the Council and the Commission in view of an agreement
shall also include a decision on the composition of the EP negotiating team. As a general principle, political balance shall
be respected and all political groups shall be represented at least at staff level in these negotiations.
The relevant service of the EP General Secretariat shall be responsible for the practical organisation of the negotiations.
4. Mandate of the negotiating team
As a general rule, the amendments adopted in committee or in plenary shall form the basis for the mandate of the EP
negotiating team. The committee may also determine priorities and a time limit for negotiations.
In the exceptional case of negotiations on a first reading agreement before the vote in committee, the committee shall
provide guidance to the EP negotiating team.
5. Organisation of trialogues
As a matter of principle and in order to enhance transparency, trialogues taking place within the European Parliament and
Council shall be announced.
Negotiations in trialogues shall be based on one joint document, indicating the position of the respective institution with
regard to each individual amendment, and also including any compromise texts distributed at trialogue meetings (e.g.
established practice of a four-column document). As far as possible, compromise texts submitted for discussion at a
forthcoming meeting shall be circulated in advance to all participants.
If necessary, interpretation facilities should be provided to the EP negotiating team ( 4 ).
6. Feedback and decision on agreement reached
After each trialogue, the negotiating team shall report back to the committee on the outcome of the negotiations and
make all texts distributed available to the committee. If this is not possible for timing reasons, the negotiating team shall
meet the shadow rapporteurs, if necessary together with the coordinators, for a full update.
( 1 ) As approved by the Conference of Presidents on 18 September 2008.
( 2 ) Special attention needs to be given to negotiations taking place at those stages of the procedure, where the visibility within Parliament
is very limited. This is the case for negotiations: before the committee vote at first reading with the aim of reaching a first-reading
agreement; after Parliament’s first reading with the aim of reaching an early second-reading agreement.
( 3 ) See Annex XX.
( 4 ) In line with the decision taken by the Bureau of 10 December 2007.

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The committee shall consider any agreement reached or update the mandate of the negotiating team in the case that
further negotiations are required. If this is not possible for timing reasons, notably at second reading stage, the decision
on the agreement shall be taken by the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs, if necessary together with the committee
chair and the coordinators. There shall be sufficient time between the end of the negotiations and the vote in plenary to
allow political groups to prepare their final position.
7. Assistance
The negotiating team shall be provided with all the resources necessary for it to conduct its work properly. This should
include an ‘administrative support team’ made up of the committee secretariat, political advisor of the rapporteur, the
codecision secretariat and the legal service. Depending on the individual file and on the stage of the negotiations, this
team could be enlarged.
8. Finalisation
The agreement between Parliament and Council shall be confirmed in writing by an official letter. No changes shall be
made to any agreed texts without the explicit agreement, at the appropriate level, of both the European Parliament and
the Council.
9. Conciliation
The principles laid down in this code of conduct shall also be applicable for the conciliation procedure, with the EP
delegation as the main responsible body within Parliament.

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