EP Rules of Procedure: parliamentary immunity

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the report drafted by Andrew DUFF (ELDR, UK) on changes to the rules on parliamentary immunity. (Please refer to the document dated 23/05/02.) The new rules also deal with situations where a Member is required to appear as a witness. Under these circumstances, there is no need to request a waiver of immunity, provided that the Member in question is not obliged to appear at a time which prevents him from carrying out his duties, and that he is not obliged to disclose confidential information. On the question of a competent national authority, the committee may offer a reasoned opinion about the competence of the authority in question and the admissibility of the request. Parliament decided that the changes would enter into force on the day following their adoption, but that it may further amend the rules following adoption of the Members' Statute.�