Brussels, 12/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - German Social Democrat MEP Martin Schulz, leader of the Socialist group in the European Parliament, is to write to the leaders of the other EP political groups suggesting setting up a “safety zone” around the far right “Identity, Tradition, Sovereignty” (ITS) group, the PES group spokesman announced on Friday 12 January. This aim of this safety zone would be to prevent any responsibilities within the EP being given to this group and prevent its involvement in decision making. The PES group also suggest the amendment of internal EP rules on the creation of political groups, in particular to increase the number of MEPs required from the present 20.
The ITS group, whose creation has yet to be made official (final date Monday 15 January), is expected to comprise 20 MEPs (see EUROPE 9341). It could only hope to obtain one - or at most two - parliamentary committee deputy chairmanships. (mb)