101 Amendments of Fabio Massimo CASTALDO related to 2017/0220(COD)
Amendment 13 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Treaty on European Union (TEU) reinforces citizenship of the Union and enhances further the democratic functioning of the Union by providing, inter alia, that every citizen of the Union has the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union. The European citizens’ initiative is a Union instrument of direct participatory democracy which affords citizens of the Union the possibility of directly approaching the Commission with a request inviting it to submit a proposal for a legal act of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties, similar to the right conferred on the European Parliament under Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and on the Council under Article 241 TFEU.
Amendment 14 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
Amendment 16 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation aims to make the European citizens’ initiative more accessible, less burdensome and easier to use for organisers and supporters, in order to achieve the full potential of the European citizens’ initiative as a tool to foster debate and meaningful citizen participation to public life at Union level, and to bring the Union closer to its citizens.
Amendment 17 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) To achieve those objectives, the procedures and conditions required for the European citizens’ initiative should be effective, clear, simple, user-friendly and proportionate to the nature of this instrument. They should strike a judicious balance between rights and obligations.
Amendment 17 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation aims to makeexploit the potential of the European citizens’ initiative more accessible, less burdensome and easier to use for organisers and supporters, in order to achieve the full potential of the European citizens’ initiative as a tool to foster debate and citizen participation at Union level, and to bring the Union closer to its citizensin order to strengthen the principle of democracy and the democratic functioning of the Union by giving every citizen a general right to participate in democratic life.
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) It is appropriate to set a minimum age for supporting an initiative. To achieve the full potential of the European citizens’ initiative as an instrument of direct participatory democracy and to foster meaningful citizen participation at Union level especially among young European citizens, that age should be set at 16 years.
Amendment 23 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The European citizens’ initiative should be made more accessible, less burdensome and easier to use for organisers and for supporters.
Amendment 24 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to make the European citizens’ initiative more accessible and to provide support to citizens and organisers, the Commission should provide information andclear, accurate and comprehensive information as well legal and practical assistance to organisers and make publicly available an online collaborative platform to provide a dedicated discussion forum and information and advice about the European citizens’ initiative. To ensure proximity to citizens, Member States should establish one or more contact points in their respective territories, accessible to people with disabilities, to provide citizens with information ands well as legal and practical assistance regarding the European citizens’ initiative.
Amendment 28 #
(16) In order to make the European citizens’ initiative effective and more accessible, and taking into account that the procedures and conditions required for the European citizens’ initiative should be clear, simple, user-friendly and proportionate, it is appropriate to partially register an initiative in cases where only part or parts of the initiative meet the requirements for registration under this Regulation. Initiatives should be partially registered where a substantial part of the initiative, including its main objectives, does not manifestly fall outside the framework of the Commission’s powers to submit a proposal for a legal act of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties and all the other registration requirements are met. Clarity and transparency should be ensured as regards the scope of the partial registration and potential signatories should be informed of the scope of the registration and of the fact that statements of support are collected only in relation to the scope of the registration of the initiative.
Amendment 31 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Statements of support for an initiative should be collected within a specific time limit. In order to ensure that an initiative remains relevant, whilst taking into account the complexity of collecting statements of support across the Union, that time limit should not be longer than 128 months from the date of the start of the collection period determined by the group of organisers.
Amendment 32 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) A European citizens’ initiative in which the Commission is invited to submit a proposal to amend the Treaties should be deemed admissible, given that Article 48 of the TEU confers upon the Commission the power to submit to the Council proposals to amend the Treaties.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to promote participation and public debate on the issues raised by the initiatives, where an initiative supported by the required number of signatories and fulfilling the other requirements of this Regulation is submitted to the Commission, the group of organisers should have the right to present that initiative at a public hearing at Union level. The public hearing should be co- organised by the Commission and the European Parliament within three months from the submission of the initiative and ensure a balanced representation of relevant public and private interests well as the representation at an appropriate level of the Commission. Other institutions and advisory bodies of the Union as well as interested stakeholders should have the opportunity to participate in the hearing. The European Parliament should hold a debate on those citizens’ initiatives that successfully meet all of the criteria laid down in this Regulation. Such debate may be concluded by the adoption of a motion for resolution in order for the Parliament to make use of the legislative power conferred upon by Article 225 TFEU.
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) To ensure the effective participation of citizens in the democratic life of the Union, the Commission should examine a valid initiative and respond to it. In the light of this, the Commission may request the Court of Justice of the European Union an opinion about the legal aspects of the initiative. The Commission should therefore set out its legal and political conclusions as well as the action it intends to take within a period of five months from the receipt of the initiative. The Commission should explain in a clear, comprehensible and detailed manner the reasons for its intended action, and should likewise give its reasons if it does not intend to take any action.
Amendment 39 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation aims to make the European citizens’ initiative more accessible, less burdensome and easier to use for organisers and supporters, in order to achieve the full potential of the European citizens’ initiative as a tool to foster debate and citizen participation at Union level, and to bring the Union closer to its citizennd thus bolster the principle of democracy and the democratic functioning of the Union, giving every citizen a general right to participate in its democratic procedures.
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
The required legal act of the Union may consist in a proposal for a new legal act, the abrogation of any existing legal act, the modification of a current legislative proposal or the amendment of the Treaties according to Article 48 TEU.
Amendment 42 #
(6) To achieve those objectives, the procedures and conditions required for the European citizens’ initiative should be effective, clear, simple, user-friendly and proportionate to the nature of this instrument. They should strike a judicious balance between rights and obligations.
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall, upon request, provide clear, accurate and comprehensive information and assistance about the European citizens’ initiative to citizens and groups of organisers.
Amendment 45 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall make publicly available an online collaborative platform providing citizens and groups of organisers with a discussion forum ands well as information and legal and practical advice about the European citizens’ initiative.
Amendment 45 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In order to ensure full objectivity and transparency with regard to the registration of a European citizens’ initiative proposal, the Commission should appoint one or more hearing officers from among persons who are highly professionally qualified in the law of the European Union, providing also auxiliary support staff. The hearing officers should be given the role of independent arbiter to assess the necessary conditions for registering a proposal for a European citizens’ initiative. The hearing officers should be appointed in accordance with the rules laid down in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union. In relation to the appointment of the hearing officers and the performance of their duties, transparency and the absence of conflicts of interests should be ensured. Sincere cooperation and political dialogue between the Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council with regard to the appointment of a hearing officer should be ensured.
Amendment 46 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
The online collaborative platform shall be user-friendly and accessible to people with disabilities.
Amendment 47 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) A European citizens’ initiative in which the Commission is called upon to submit a proposal to amend the Treaties should be deemed admissible, given that Article 48 TEU confers upon the Commission the power to submit to the Council proposals to amend the Treaties.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall make publicly available an online register (‘the register’) allowing groups of organisers to manage their initiative throughout the procedure. The register shall comprise a public website providingn easily and effectively accessible public website providing clear, accurate and comprehensive information on the European citizens’ initiative in general as well as on specific initiatives and their respective status.
Amendment 49 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to initiatives and to avoid a situation where signatures are collected for an initiative which does not comply with the conditions laid down by the Treaties and this Regulation, initiatives that comply with the conditions laid down in this Regulationthe Commission should acquire the opinion of the hearing officer pursuant to this Regulation and, where that opinion is favourable, should be registered by the Commiss the initiatives that comply with the conditions laid down in this Regulation before collecting statements of support from citizens. The Commission and the hearing officer should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration.
Amendment 53 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to make the European citizens’ initiative more accessible and to provide support to citizens and organisers, the Commission should provide information andclear, accurate and complete information and legal and practical assistance to organisers and make publicly available an online collaborative platform to provide a dedicated discussion forum and information and advice about the European citizens’ initiative. To ensure proximity to citizens, Member States should establish one or more contact points in their respective territories, accessible to people with disabilities, to provide citizens with information ands well as legal and practical assistance regarding the European citizens’ initiative.
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
6. Each Member State shall establish one or more contact points to provide information and, accessible to people with disabilities, to provide information as well legal and practical assistance to groups of organisers in setting up a European citizens’ initiative.
Amendment 56 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In order to ensure full objectivity and transparency with regard to the registration of a European citizens’ initiative proposal, the Commission should appoint one or more hearing officers from among persons who are known to have a good command of the law of the European Union, and should also provide auxiliary support staff. The hearing officers should be given the role of independent arbiter to assess the necessary conditions for registering a proposal for a European citizens’ initiative. The hearing officers should be appointed in accordance with the rules laid down in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union. Transparency and the absence of conflicts of interests should be ensured in the performance of their tasks. Sincere cooperation and political dialogue between the Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council with regard to the appointment of a hearing officer should also be ensured.
Amendment 58 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to initiatives and to avoid a situation where signatures are collected for an initiative which does not comply with the conditions laid down by the Treaties and this Regulation, the Commission should seek an opinion from the hearing officer referred to in this Regulation and, where that opinion is favourable, should register initiatives that comply with the conditions laid down in this Regulation should be registered by the Commission before collecting statements of support from citizens. The Commission and the hearing officer should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration.
Amendment 58 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Statements of support for an initiative should be collected within a specific time limit. In order to ensure that an initiative remains relevant, whilst taking into account the complexity of collecting statements of support across the Union, that time limit should not be longer than 128 months from the date of the start of the collection period determined by the group of organisers.
Amendment 63 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Statements of support for an initiative should be collected within a specific time limit. In order to ensure that an initiative remains relevant, whilst taking into account the complexity of collecting statements of support across the Union, that time limit should not be longer than 128 months from the date of the start of the collection period determined by the group of organisers.
Amendment 67 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22a) In order to encourage participation and public debate on the issues raised by initiatives, once the first six months of a collection period have passed, the group of organisers should have the right to present its initiative and to request that a first public hearing be held at Union level. The hearing should be organised by the European Parliament within three months of the request submitted by the group of organisers.
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to promote participation and public debate on the issues raised by the initiatives, wWhere an initiative supported by the required number of signatories and fulfilling the other requirements of this Regulation is submitted to the Commission, the group of organisers should, in addition, have the right to present that initiative at a second public hearing at Union level. The public hearing should be co- organised by the Commission and the European Parliament within three months from the submission of the initiative and ensure a balanced representation of relevant public and private interests well as the representation at an appropriate level of the Commission. Other institutions and advisory bodies of the Union as well as interested stakeholders should have the opportunity to participate in the hearing.
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22a) In order to encourage participation and public debate on the issues raised by initiatives, once the first six months of a collection period have passed, the group of organisers should have the right to present its initiative and, to that end, request that a first public hearing be held at Union level. The hearing should be organised by the European Parliament within three months of the request submitted by the group of organisers.
Amendment 70 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to promote participation and public debate on the issues raised by the initiatives, whereWhen an initiative supported by the required number of signatories and fulfilling the other requirements of this Regulation is submitted to the Commission, the group of organisers should, in addition, have the right to present that initiative at a second public hearing at Union level. The public hearing should be co- organised by the Commission and the European Parliament within three months from the submission of the initiative and ensure a balanced representation of relevant public and private interests well as the representation at an appropriate level of the Commission. Other institutions and advisory bodies of the Union as well as interested stakeholders should have the opportunity to participate in the hearing.
Amendment 72 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) Twelve months after the Commission has submitted the communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on an initiative supported by the required number of signatories and fulfilling the other requirements of this Regulation, the group of organisers should have the right to request that a third public hearing be held at EU level in order to allow clear, detailed and comprehensive analysis of the Commission position and ascertain that the Commission’s action is consistent with such commitments as it might have entered into. The hearing should be organised by the European Parliament within six months of the submission of the request by the group of organisers.
Amendment 75 #
(23b) The European Parliament should ensure that public hearings are attended by experts who are known to have a good command of the subject with which the initiative is concerned, having first ascertained that there are no conflicts of interests involved. The Commission should ensure that hearings are attended by representatives of itself who are of an appropriate level. Other institutions and advisory bodies of the Union, national parliaments, and relevant public stakeholders should have the opportunity to participate in hearings.
Amendment 75 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) Twelve months after the Commission has submitted the communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on an initiative supported by the required number of signatories and fulfilling the other requirements of this Regulation, the group of organisers should have the right to request that a third public hearing be held at EU level in order to allow clear, detailed, and exhaustive analysis of the Commission position and ascertain that the Commission's action is consistent with such commitments as it might have entered into. The hearing should be organised by the European Parliament within six months of the submission of the request by the group of organisers.
Amendment 76 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 c (new)
Recital 23 c (new)
(23c) The European Parliament should hold a wide-ranging plenary debate on valid initiatives.
Amendment 77 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 b (new)
Recital 23 b (new)
(23b) The European Parliament should ensure that public hearings are attended by experts who are highly skilled in the subject on which the initiative is based, having first ascertained that there are no conflicts of interests involved. The Commission should ensure that it is represented at a level appropriate to the hearings. Other institutions and advisory bodies of the Union, national parliaments, and relevant public stakeholders should have the opportunity to participate in hearings.
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 c (new)
Recital 23 c (new)
(23c) The European Parliament should hold a wide-ranging plenary debate on successful initiatives.
Amendment 86 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
‘Legal act’ shall mean, inter alia, a proposal for a new legal act, an act repealing an existing legal act, an act amending an existing legal act, an act amending a proposal for a legal act1a or an act amending a Treaty as referred to in Article 48 TEU. _________________ 1aCf. also the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case T- 754/14.
Amendment 89 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 7
Article 6 – paragraph 7
7. Where it refuses to register in accordance with the last subparagraph of paragraph 3 or only partially registers an initiative in accordance with paragraph 4, the Commission shall duly inform the group of organisers of the reasons for its decision and of all possible judicial and extrajudicial remedies available to them.
Amendment 90 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 8
Article 6 – paragraph 8
8. The Commission shall inform in a clear, thorough and detailed manner the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and, the Committee of the Regions and the national parliaments of the registration of an initiative.
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
All statements of support shall be collected within a period not exceeding 128 months from a date chosen by the group of organisers (the ‘collection period’), without prejudice to Article 11(6). That date must be not later than threesix months from the registration of the initiative in accordance with Article 6.
Amendment 99 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall make available an online collaborative platform providing citizens and groups of organisers with a discussion forum and information and practical and legal advice about the European citizens’ initiative.
Amendment 100 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall make available an online register (‘the register’) allowing groups of organisers to manage their initiative throughout the procedure. The register shall comprise a public website providing clear, accurate and complete information on the European citizens’ initiative in general as well as on specific initiatives and their respective status.
Amendment 101 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. After the Commission has registered an initiative in accordance with Article 6, it shall provide the translation of the content of that initiative into all the official languages of the Union for its publication in the register and its use for the collection of statements of support in accordance with this Regulation. A group of organisers may, in addition, ask the Commission to provide translations into all the official languages of the Union of the Annex for its publication in the register and also, as the case may be, of the draft legal act referred to in Annex II and submitted in accordance with Article 6(2).
Amendment 105 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
6. Each Member State shall establish one or more contact points to provide information and practical and legal assistance to groups of organisers in setting up a European citizens’ initiative.
Amendment 106 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
The central online collection system shall be user-friendly and accessible for persons with disabilities.
Amendment 109 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Hearing officer for European citizens’ initiatives The Commission, acting in accordance with the rules laid down in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, shall appoint one or more hearing officers from among persons who are known to have a good command of the law of the European Union, and shall also provide auxiliary support staff. The Commission shall ensure sincere cooperation and political dialogue with the European Parliament and the Council for the purposes of transparency and of ascertaining that there are no conflicts of interests involved in the appointment of hearing officers and the performance of their duties. The hearing officer shall assess whether the conditions under this Regulation are met for registration of a proposed European citizens’ initiative. The hearing officer shall enjoy full independence in the performance of his or her duties.
Amendment 110 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. When the Commission receives a valid initiative in respect of which the statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, it shall publish without delay a notice to that effect in the register and transmit the initiative to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and, the Committee of the Regions and the national parliaments.
Amendment 111 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The Commission and the European Parliament shall co-organize thesuch public hearing at the European Parliament. Representatives of the other institutions and advisory bodies of the Union, as well as interested stakeholders, shall be given the opportunity to participate in the hearing.
Amendment 112 #
1. Statements of support for an initiative may only be collected after the initiative has been registered by the Commission, following a favourable assessment by the hearing officer referred to in this Regulation.
Amendment 113 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 114 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Without prejudice to paragraphs 5 and 6, the Commission shall decidehearing officer shall deliver an opinion on the request within two months of its submission.
Amendment 115 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Within five months after the publication of the initiative in accordance with Article 14(1), and after the public hearing referred to in Article 14(2), the Commission shall set out in a communication its legal and political conclusions on the initiative, the action it intends to take, if any, and its reasons for taking or not taking action. Such reasons shall be duly justified and explained in a clear, comprehensible and detailed manner. The Commission may request the Court of Justice of the European Union an opinion on the legal aspects of the initiative, which shall be delivered without undue delay.
Amendment 116 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
The hearing officer shall recommend that the Commission shall register the initiative if:
Amendment 118 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. After the Commission has registered an initiative in accordance with Article 6, it shall provide the translation of the content of that initiative into all the official languages of the Union for its publication in the register and its use for the collection of statements of support in accordance with this Regulation. A group of organisers may, in addition, ask the Commission to provide translations into all the official languages of the Union of the Annex for its publication in the register and also, as the case may be, of the draft legal act referred to in Annex II and submitted in accordance with Article 6(2).
Amendment 120 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission and the group of organisers may inform the signatories on the response to the initiativesignatories shall be informed by the Commission on the response to the initiative without undue delay. In view of this objective, the Commission may inform the signatories in accordance with Article 17 (2) and (3).
Amendment 123 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
The group of organisers shall provide, for the publication in the register, and as the case may be on their campaign website, clear, accurate and comprehensive information on the sources of support and funding for the initiative exceeding 500 euros per sponsor.
Amendment 125 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
If one or more of the requirements set out in points (a) to (e) are not met, the hearing officer shall recommend that the Commission shall refuse to register the initiative, without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5.
Amendment 127 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Where ithe or she considers that the requirements laid down in paragraph 3 (a), (b), (d) and (e) are met but that the requirement laid down in paragraph 3(c) is not met, the Commissionhearing officer shall, within one month of the submission of the request, inform the group of organisers of its assessment and of the reasons thereofprovide his or her assessment and the reasons therefor. The Commission shall simultaneously forward that information to the group of organisers.
Amendment 131 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
In that case, the group of organisers may either amend the initiative to take into account the Commissionhearing officer’s assessment to ensure that the initiative is in conformity with the requirement laid down in paragraph 3(c) or maintain or withdraw the initial initiative. The group of organisers shall inform the Commission and the hearing officer of its choice within one month of the receipt of the Commission’s assessment giving the reasons thereof, and shall, as the case may be, transmit amendments to the information referred to in Annex II to replace the initial initiative.
Amendment 133 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3 – introductory part
Where the Commission receives the information from the organisers, once the hearing officer’s assessment has been received, it shall:
Amendment 137 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Hearing officer for European citizens' initiatives The Commission, acting in accordance with the rules laid down in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, shall appoint one or more hearing officers from among persons who are highly professionally qualified in the law of the European Union, and shall also provide auxiliary support staff. The Commission shall ensure sincere cooperation and political dialogue with the European Parliament and the Council for the purposes of transparency and of ascertaining that there are no conflicts of interests involved in the appointment of hearing officers and the performance of their duties. The hearing officer shall assess whether the conditions under this Regulation are met for registration of a proposed European citizens' initiative. The hearing officer shall enjoy full independence in the performance of his or her duties.
Amendment 139 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
The Commission shall decidehearing officer shall express an opinion on the request within one month of receipt of the information and, as the case may be, the amended initiative from the group of organisers referred to in the second subparagraph.
Amendment 139 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Statements of support for an initiative may only be collected after the initiative has been registered by the Commission, following a favourable assessment by the hearing officer referred to in this Regulation.
Amendment 140 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 7
Article 6 – paragraph 7
7. Where ithe or she refuses to register or only partially registers an initiative in accordance with paragraph 4, the Commission shall inform the group of organisers of the reasons for its decision andhearing officer shall provide clear, comprehensive and detailed information on the reasons for his or her assessment. The Commission shall forward that information to the group of organisers and also inform them clearly and comprehensively of all possible judicial and extrajudicial remedies available to them.
Amendment 141 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Without prejudice to paragraphs 5 and 6, the Commission shall decidehearing officer shall deliver an opinion on the request within two months of its submission.
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 8
Article 6 – paragraph 8
8. The Commission shall inform, in a clear, comprehensive and detailed manner, the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and, the Committee of the Regions and the national parliaments of the registration of an initiative.
Amendment 144 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
The hearing officer shall recommend that the Commission shall register the initiative if:
Amendment 145 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
All statements of support shall be collected within a period not exceeding 128 months from a date chosen by the group of organisers (the ‘collection period’), without prejudice to Article 11(6). That date must be not later than three months from the registration of the initiative in accordance with Article 6.
Amendment 148 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
If one or more of the requirements set out in points (a) to (e) are not met, the hearing officer shall recommend that the Commission shall refuse to register the initiative, without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5.
Amendment 149 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Where ithe or she considers that the requirements laid down in paragraph 3 (a), (b), (d) and (e) are met but that the requirement laid down in paragraph 3(c) is not met, the Commissionhearing officer shall, within one month of the submission of the request, inform the group of organisers of its assessment and of the reasons thereofprovide his or her assessment and the reasons therefor. The Commission shall simultaneously forward that information to the group of organisers.
Amendment 151 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
In that case, the group of organisers may either amend the initiative to take into account the Commissionhearing officer's assessment to ensure that the initiative is in conformity with the requirement laid down in paragraph 3(c) or maintain or withdraw the initial initiative. The group of organisers shall inform the Commission and the hearing officer of its choice within one month of the receipt of the Commission's assessment giving the reasons thereof, and shall, as the case may be, transmit amendments to the information referred to in Annex II to replace the initial initiative.
Amendment 153 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3 – introductory part
Where the Commission receives the information from the organisers, once the hearing officer's assessment has been acquired, it shall:
Amendment 156 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
The Commission shall decidehearing officer shall express an opinion on the request within one month of receipt of the information and, as the case may be, the amended initiative from the group of organisers referred to in the second subparagraph.
Amendment 158 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2 – introductory part
Where the Commission, having acquired the hearing officer's assessment, partially registers an initiative:
Amendment 159 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – title
Article 14 – title
14 Publication and public hearings
Amendment 160 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. When the Commission receives a valid initiative in respect of which the statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, it shall publish without delay a notice to that effect in the register and transmit the initiative to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and, the Committee of the Regions and the national parliaments.
Amendment 161 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. When the first six months of the signature collection period have elapsed, the group of organisers may request that a first public hearing be held, at Union level, in order to present its initiative. The hearing shall be organised by the European Parliament within three months of the request submitted by the group of organisers.
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Within three months after the submission of the initiativea valid initiative in relation to which statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, the group of organisers shall be given the opportunity to present the initiative at a second public hearing.
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 7
Article 6 – paragraph 7
7. Where ithere is a refusesal to register or only partially registers an initiative in accordance with paragraph 4, the Commission shall inform the group of organisers of the reasons for its decision andhearing officer shall provide clear, comprehensive and detailed information on the reasons for his or her assessment. The Commission shall forward that information to the group of organisers and also inform them clearly and comprehensively of all possible judicial and extrajudicial remedies available to them.
Amendment 163 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
When twelve months have elapsed since the submission of the Commission communication on its legal and political conclusions concerning a valid initiative in relation to which statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, the group of organisers may request that a third public hearing be held at Union level. The hearing shall be organised by the European Parliament within six months of the submission of the request by the group of organisers.
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The Commission and the European Parliament shall co-organise the public hearings at the European Parliamentits premises. Representatives of the other institutions and advisory bodies of the Union, as well as interestedof the national parliaments and public stakeholders, shall be given the opportunity to participate in the hearings.
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 8
Article 6 – paragraph 8
8. The Commission shall inform, in a clear, comprehensive and detailed manner, the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and, the Committee of the Regions and the national parliaments of the registration of an initiative.
Amendment 170 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
All statements of support shall be collected within a period not exceeding 128 months from a date chosen by the group of organisers (the 'collection period'), without prejudice to Article 11(6). That date must be not later than three months from the registration of the initiative in accordance with Article 6.
Amendment 171 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The Commission and the European Parliament shall ensure a balanced representation of relevant public and private interestsinterests. The European Parliament shall also ensure the presence of experts who are highly skilled in the subject with which the initiative is concerned, subject to prior verification that there are no conflicts of interests involved.
Amendment 173 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall be represented in the hearings at an appropriate level.
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. In addition to the hearings, the European Parliament shall hold a plenary debate on those citizens’ initiatives that successfully meet all of the criteria laid down in this Regulation. That debate may be concluded by the adoption of a resolution calling on the Commission to submit a legislative proposal as referred to in Article 225 TFEU.
Amendment 178 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Within one month of the submission of the initiativea valid initiative in relation to which statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, the Commission shall receive the group of organisers at an appropriate level to allow them to explain in detail the matters raised by the initiative.
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. The signatories shall be informed by the Commission andon the group of organisers may inform the signatories on the response to the initiativeresponse to the initiative without undue delay, including via the organisers. For this purpose, the Commission may inform the signatories in accordance with Article 17 (2) and (3).
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – title
Article 14 – title
14 When the Commission receives a valid initiative in respect of which the statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, it shall publish without delay a notice to that effect in the register and transmit the initiative to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.Publication and public hearings
Amendment 184 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph –1 (new)
Article 14 – paragraph –1 (new)
-1. When the first six months of the signature collection period have elapsed, the group of organisers may request that a first public hearing be held, at Union level, in order to present its initiative. The hearing shall be organised by the European Parliament within three months of the request submitted by the group of organisers.
Amendment 186 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. When the Commission receives a valid initiative in respect of which the statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, it shall publish without delay a notice to that effect in the register and transmit the initiative to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and, the Committee of the Regions and the national parliaments.
Amendment 188 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Within three months afterof the submission of the valid initiative in relation to which statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, the group of organisers shall be given the opportunity to present the initiative at a second public hearing.
Amendment 189 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
When twelve months have elapsed since the submission of the Commission communication on its legal and political conclusions concerning a valid initiative in relation to which statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, the group of organisers may request that a third public hearing be held at Union level. The hearing shall be organised by the European Parliament within six months of the submission of the request by the group of organisers.
Amendment 193 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The Commission and the European Parliament shall co-organizse the public hearings at the European Parliamentits premises. Representatives of the other institutions and advisory bodies of the Union, as well as interestedof the national parliaments and public stakeholders, shall be given the opportunity to participate in the hearings.
Amendment 199 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The Commission and the European Parliament shall ensure a balanced representation of relevant public and private interestsinterests. The European Parliament shall also ensure the presence of experts who are highly skilled in the subject on which the initiative is based, subject to prior verification that there are no conflicts of interests involved.
Amendment 204 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall be represented in the hearings at an appropriate level.
Amendment 212 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Within one month of the submission of the initiativea valid initiative in relation to which statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, the Commission shall receive the group of organisers at an appropriate level to allow them to explain in detail the matters raised by the initiative.
Amendment 213 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Within three months of the submission of a valid initiative in relation to which statements of support have been collected and certified in accordance with Articles 8 to 12, the European Parliament shall organise a debate in plenary session.