Press Release

02/10/2007

Lamassoure/Severin Report on the new composition of the European Parliament adopted by the European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs. Alain Lamassoure MEP

In adopting by a large majority the proposed new composition of the European Parliament presented by Alain Lamassoure MEP (UMP, EPP-ED, France) and Adrian Severin MEP (PSE, Romania), the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament has made its contribution to the success of the European Council scheduled for October 18.

Indeed, article 9A amending the treaty provides that the distribution of seats in Parliament will no longer be made according to categories of countries, but will reflect the demographic diversity of Member States, while ensuring an over-representation to less populous countries, according to the principle of "degressive proportionality". The Constitutional Affairs Committee proposes a concrete definition of this principle and its practical application in the elections in 2009, within the limits of the ceiling of 750 members set by the future treaty. Despite the extreme sensitivity of the subject, the members concerned managed to focus on the benefit of the Union, rather than on national or party interests.

It's now up to the political groups, who are to vote in the plenary of October 11. If they follow their representatives in the relevant committee, Parliament should adopt the draft by a large majority, facilitating the necessary agreement of the European Council.

(Translation from the original French)

For further information:
Alain Lamassoure MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845706
Antoine Ripoll, EPP-ED Press Service, Tel: +32-475-856290

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 278 Members from all 27 Member States.