The Constitutional Affairs Committee discuss the recast of regulation laying down the conditions governing the statute and funding of European political parties and foundations. Co-rapporteur Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU) explains that the recast proposal intends to introduce a co-financing rate for European political parties, allow political groups from Council of Europe to join EU political groups and to include in the statute of political parties their internal rules on gender equality.

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

funding of European political parties (T)

GOERENS, Charles (Renew, LU)

The funding of European political parties: statement by Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU), co-rapporteur - AFCO Committee

Title: The funding of European political parties: statement by Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU), co-rapporteur - AFCO Committee

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU), Co-Rapporteur, The current rules are not satisfactory. We are facing difficulties that we can easily overcome by making a few changes. In fact, we want European parties to be able to play a role in European political life, to be able to intervene in a referendum campaign, for example, when it is an important political issue. We want parties to be able to drain currents of thought in order to better structure society, and so on.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU), Co-Rapporteur, - The proposals are first of all to give the right to a political party that allows it to act accordingly. For example, we are putting an end to an absurdity that consists in prohibiting European political parties from intervening in a referendum campaign in a Member State where the stakes are obviously European.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU), Co-Rapporteur, - We want member parties from Council of Europe's member states to have access to European parties as well. That they can participate in the exercise of this party. To become a member, to pay a contribution through donations, but a contribution.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU), Co-Rapporteur, - In terms of financing. We have made proposals to halve the contribution of political parties to bring them up to the same level as foundations. So the part that a party has to spend when it comes to financing the operation, it will go down from 10 to 5. And the commission goes even further by proposing that we reduce the contribution or co-financing of parties during an election period from five to zero.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU), Co-Rapporteur, - We are at the beginning of a logic that is becoming more federalist in the regions. Citizens must be able to have easy relations with European political parties. It is up to us to ensure that European political parties are sufficiently attractive, especially in terms of gender equality. Now, we're going to make progress. We offer incentives to make this equality a reality. On the other hand, of course, it is a question of political actors. If we have to, if we give them instruments that are not too restrictive, then I think they can develop all their creativity.