The European citizen's right to petition: strengthening this right and Treaty revision

The European Parliament, using its procedure without debate, adopted the report drafted by Vitaliano GEMELLI (EPP/ED, Italy) on the right of petition. In cases where the Committee on Petitions notes that a fundamental right recognised under the Treaty or secondary legislation has been infringed or is being recognised, directly applicable legal instruments to redress the situation are not available. Parliament is seeking the introduction of such instruments. Many petitions reveal cases of serious infringement by national authorities of European legislation, such as environmental or consumer protection legislation or legislation for the protection of flora and fauna. Parliament called for a further provision to be added to Article 194 of the Treaty, to the effect that Parliament, the Council and the Commission may, under codecision procedure, and in accordance with a request from Parliament endorsed by the Commission, formulate a new wording for the Treaty provision in question. The Commission is asked for measures to facilitate a rapid response in cases where the parliamentary committee responsible, together with the Commission, establishes that a serious violation of Community environmental or consumer legislation or legislation protecting flora and fauna has occurred.�