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

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Giorgos DIMITRAKOPOULOS (EPP-ED, GR) on the financing of political parties. (Please see the document dated 17/02/04.) The task of settling any administrative issues connected with the running of the funding system is conferred upon the Bureau. In carrying out its tasks the Bureau should be assisted by the secretariat staff under the direction of the Secretary-General. A new rule states that where Parliament - following verification - establishes that a political party at European level has ceased to observe the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, the Bureau shall decide that that political party shall be excluded from funding. Another new rule sets out the powers and responsibilities of the committee responsible and of Parliament's plenary. At the request of one-quarter of Parliament's Members representing at least three political groups, the President, following an exchange of views within the Conference of Presidents, shall call upon the committee responsible to verify whether or not a political party at European level is continuing to observe the above-mentioned principles. Before submitting a proposal for a decision to Parliament, the committee responsible will hear the representatives of the political party concerned and it must ask for and consider the opinion of a committee of independent eminent persons. Parliament will vote (by a majority of the votes cast) on the proposal for a decision establishing that the political party concerned either does or does not observe the principles If the proposal for a decision does not secure a majority, a decision to the contrary will be deemed to have been adopted. Finally, the President will represent Parliament on the committee of independent eminent persons.�