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EP Rules of Procedure, Rule 50 and Rule 56(3): associated committees and referral back to committee in the event of rejection of a Commission proposal, interpretation

2011/2041(REG)

The European Parliament adopted a decision on the procedure with associated committees and referral back to committee in the event of rejection of a Commission proposal (interpretation of Rules 50 and 56 of Parliament's Rules of Procedure).

Parliament decided to append the interpretation of the following rules:

Interpretation of Rule 50

“The Conference of Presidents' decision to apply the procedure with associated committees applies at all stages of the procedure in question.

The rights attaching to the status of “committee responsible” are exercised by the lead committee. In exercising those rights, the lead committee must take due account of the prerogatives of the associated committee, and in particular must comply with the obligation to observe the principle of sincere cooperation as regards the timetable and respect the right of the associated committee to determine the amendments submitted in plenary which fall within its exclusive competence.

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”.

Interpretation of Rule 56(3)

“Following a referral back to committee pursuant to Rule 56(3), the lead committee must, before taking a decision on the procedure to be followed, allow an associated committee, as provided for in Rule 50, to make choices as to the amendments which fall within its exclusive competence, and in particular to choose which amendments are to be resubmitted in plenary.

The time-limit laid down in the second subparagraph of paragraph 3 applies to the tabling in writing, or the oral presentation, of the report of the committee responsible. It does not apply to Parliament's decision as to the appropriate juncture at which to continue consideration of the procedure in question”.