14/05/2020 (Agence Europe) – After validating the use of the emergency procedure on Wednesday, the European Parliament gave its approval on Thursday 14 May, by 657 votes to 30 with six abstentions, to the proposal for a Council regulation temporarily extending the period for convening general meetings of 'European Companies' (SEs) and 'European Cooperative Societies' (SCEs) during the Covid-19 pandemic (see EUROPE 12478/7). The text allows SEs and SCEs to hold their general meetings within 12 months after the end of their financial year, instead of within 6 months, but no later than 31 December 2020. This is an urgent procedure, as the 6-month period mentioned in European regulations will expire in May or June 2020. The text still needs to be formally and unanimously adopted by the Council. (MF)