Brussels, 11/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - After the abortive plenary vote on 14 December 2010, the European Parliament committee on justice and civil liberties (LIBE) hopes to rapidly break the deadlock on the project for a single work and residence permit for lawful migrants in the EU. The same day, the Socialists and the Greens in particular, as well as the Liberals, had rejected a project that did not include seasonal or short term workers. The Liberals objected to the text because the EPP had called for new requirements relating to administrative documents.
On Monday 10 January 2011, a majority of votes in committee seemed to be in favour of rapidly breaking the deadlock during the plenary session, to take place over a two-month period. The clock has been ticking since 14 December, a source explains, which means it will be around 14 February that the LIBE committee hopes to have the matter completely unravelled.
This, at any rate, is the intention expressed by the rapporteur, Véronique Mathieu (EPP, France), as well as the S&D, ALDE and Greens groups which are not opposed to such timing. Between now and then, the LIBE committee has also to settle a problem of procedure, namely whether or not the employment and social affairs committee (EMPL) is involved. Alejandro Cercas (S&D, Spain), representing the EMPL committee, delivered an oral defence on Monday in favour of this cooperation and of the link “with the theme of equal treatment”.
However, a source says, there is little likelihood of the committee being involved in the work. The committee explains that the failure in plenary only concerned problems of concern to the LIBE committee. Involving the EMPL committee through a draft opinion could therefore make the LIBE committee lose precious time. The decision should be taken this week, and the timetable should also be fixed. Véronique Mathieu therefore feels the week will be “decisive” for the future of the single permit. (Cor./transl.jl)