Brussels, 05/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - In Strasbourg on Tuesday 5 May, the European Parliament, following the recommendation of its rapporteur, decided to delay its vote on improving citizens' access to Community institution documents. In March, the EP backed the amendments but postponed the vote on the resolution accompanying the report by Michael Cashman (PES, UK) on access to documents (see EUROPE 9860). Now the EP has elected not to complete the first reading (co-decision) to allow the Commission the opportunity to amend its proposal. The incoming European Parliament will be responsible for negotiating with the Council, under Swedish Presidency, in the autumn. The Swedish Presidency has said that transparency will be one of its priorities.
“I was given a mandate by the House to enter into negotiations with the other institutions on this important dossier. Sadly, I have to report that the negotiations have not been productive, and therefore I am recommending to the House today that we do not vote and that we refer the decision on this important dossier to the next Parliament, when I expect the Commission to produce a new proposal in the autumn of this year,” Cashman told MEPs.
The Commission responded by saying: “While fully respecting Parliament's decision, the Commission is not convinced that the vote closing Parliament's first reading would tie the hands of the next Parliament. Therefore, the Commission will reconsider its proposal only after two of the branches of legislative authority have adopted their positions, but intends to continue to pursue a constructive dialogue with both institutions in the meantime and confirms its willingness to seek a compromise with Parliament and the Council”. (L.C./transl.rt)