EP Rules of Procedure: statute and financing of political parties at European level

The committee adopted the report by Giorgos DIMITRAKOPOULOS (EPP-ED, GR) on amending the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure following adoption of the Regulation governing the statute and financing of European political parties. It proposed giving power to Parliament's Bureau to lay down the implementing rules relating to that Regulation. MEPs argued that the Bureau should be responsible for most of the tasks to be performed in connection with the operation of the funding system, since it is the body responsible for financial and administrative matters concerning Members and the internal organisation of Parliament. They also specified that the President should represent Parliament in its relations with political parties at European level, given that the Rules of Procedure stipulate that the President directs all of Parliament's activities and represents it in administrative and financial matters. Applications for funding should therefore be submitted to the President, who will sign any agreement between Parliament and the beneficiary. �