Hi,
I've just stumbled across this letter from Charlie McCreevy to the Chair of Committee on Legal Affairs [1] and wonder as to its meaning.
It seems to be saying that the Parliament can decide to *reject* the proposal, and that if this should happen then he would 'not propose to submit a new directive'. I'm not sure what to make of it.
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Letter from:
Charlie McCreevy Member of the European Commission
Letter to:
Mr Giuseppe Gargami Member of the European Parliament Chairman Committee on Legal Affairs European Parliament Rue Wiertz 1047 Brussels
Dated 9th March 2005
Dear Chairman,
Following the formal adoption by the Council of its common position on the proposal for the directive on the patentability of computer implemented inventions on Monday 7 March, the Commission has today forwarded to the European Parliament its communication on the Council's common position in accordance with normal procedures.
You will recall that I attended the Committee on Legal Affairs on 2 February to debate this proposal with the Committee. I also attended the meeting of the Conference of Presidents on 3 March and made a statement in the plenary session of the European Parliament on 8 March. I have listened carefully to the views expressed in the European Parliament during the past month. I understand that a *new wind* is blowing.
The matter is now in your hands, The Parliament can *reject* or *substantially amend* the proposal. As I said in the plenary on 8 March, if the Parliament decides to reject the common position, the Commission will respect your wishes. I will not propose to the Commission to submit a new directive.
I should like to underline, in accordance with what President Barroso indicated in his letter to President Borrell of 25 February, that the Commission stands ready to review all the arguments and positions expressed and to work constructively with the Parliament and the Council to find a solution in the interests of all. Should you decide to propose commitments under the framework agreement. Any modifications will need to be careful evaluated given the complexity of the subject matter. You will understand, of course, that the Commission cannot speak on behalf of the Council and I would urge the Parliament to engage constructively with the Council in the future on this dossier. I am ready to help in any way.
Yours Sincerely
Charlie Mc
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-- Adam M