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The Art of the Amendment

Amendments are a key way for MEPs to influence and change EU law.

It's a way for MEPs to bring into play the interests of voters, lobbyists, non-governmental organisations and other interest groups. Some proposals attract many hundreds of amendments, notably the annual budget. But there are strict rules to follow when tabling amendments.

All MEPs can table amendments during first reading
In plenary amendment come from committees and groups

During the first reading in committee, any MEP can table amendments. During the second reading in committee only members of the main committee handling the dossier can table amendments. When a law comes to plenary, amendments can be proposed by a committee, a political group or 40-plus MEPs.

Amendments are usually tabled in writing and can be in any of the EU's 23 official languages. They are then translated into the other languages. MEPs can also make oral amendments, but these are used much less as they can interfere with the smooth running or the clarity of a vote

During voting, MEPs vote on amendments first and then the final text.

Core to EP life

An amendment by Ms Ria Oomen-Ruijten, dutch MEP, makes it possible for a European residing in another EU country to receive medical treatment in his home country. Dutch pensioners who have moved to Spain for example, can now choose to be treated in the Netherlands in case of illness. In such situations it may be nice for your family to be around."

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/public/story_page/008-72110-096-04-15-901-20100406STO72099-2010-06-04-2010/default_en.htm

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BREAKFAST Get-Together on Thursday 9 September 2010.

Informal encounter.