Doc. 8038
13 March 1998

Composition of the Assembly’s political groups

Motion for a resolution
presented by Mr Schreiner and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       Rule 41, paragraph 4, of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly provides that:

“A political group shall consist of Representatives or Substitutes of at least three different nationalities. To be acknowledged by the Bureau it shall have not less than fifteen members.”

2.       The Assembly notes that since the adoption of this provision in December 1976, the number of member states has more than doubled, and the number of members of the Assembly has increased from 308 to 572.

3.       Furthermore, bearing in mind the aims and the composition of the Parliamentary Assembly, political groups should be formed on a larger multi-national base.

4.       The Assembly considers, in consequence, that to be recognised by the Bureau, a political group should include members of at least 6 national delegations and include a minimum of 20 members.

5.       The Assembly therefore considers that the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly should be amended at the earliest opportunity.

Signed:

Schreiner, France, EDG

Behrendt, Germany, SOC

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

Durrieu, France, SOC

Gjellerod, Denmark, SOC

Pulgar, Spain, EPP/CD

Russell-Johnston, United Kingdom, LDR

Sinka, Latvia, EDG

Theis, Luxembourg, EPP/CD

Vis, United Kingdom, SOC

Zierer, Germany, EPP/CD

__________

SOC: Socialist Group

EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

EDG: European Democratic Group

LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

NR: not registered in a group