EP Rules of Procedure, Rule 29: formation of political groups

The European Parliament adopted by 481 votes to 203, with 26 abstentions, a decision on the amendment of Rule 29 of the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (formation of political groups).

The report had been tabled for consideration in plenary by Richard CORBETT (PES, UK), on behalf of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs.

At present, a group can be formed by a minimum of 20 Members (or 2.5% of EP's membership), who also represent at least one-fifth of the Member States (i.e. at least 6 countries). The Parliament decided to raise the minimum number to 25 Members (or 3.1% of EP's membership), representing at least one-quarter of the Member States (i.e. 7 countries).

An additional amendment introduces new rules on the possibility for a group to continue to exist until Parliament's next constitutive sitting, even if it does not meet the required minimum levels. In this case, the group must have been in existence for a period longer than one year and its Members must continue to represent at least one-fifth of the Member States. The President shall not apply this derogation where there is sufficient evidence to suspect that it is being abused.