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DRAFT RECOMMENDATION (06708/2026 – C100078/2026 – 2025/0900(APP))

On the draft Council decision amending the Act concerning the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, annexed to Council Decision 76/787/ECSC, EEC, Euratom of 20 September 1976

AFCO-PR-786666

Committee on Constitutional Affairs · Rapporteur: Juan Fernando López Aguilar

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This draft report recommends that Parliament give its consent to the Council decision amending the European Electoral Act to allow proxy voting for MEPs who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The Council added that the MEP statute and Parliament's Rules of Procedure should govern the delegation of votes, which the rapporteur accepts.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes that Parliament give its consent to the draft Council decision, accepting the Council's additions.

Key points

  1. Parliament is asked to consent to the draft Council decision amending the Act on direct elections.
  2. The reform allows MEPs who are pregnant or recently gave birth to delegate voting rights for up to three months before birth and six months after.
  3. The Council added that the MEP statute should set general conditions for delegation, ensuring transparency, accountability, traceability, legal certainty and integrity of the vote.
  4. The Council also added that Parliament's Rules of Procedure should detail arrangements for delegation.
  5. The rapporteur suggests accepting the Council's additions and giving consent promptly to speed up adoption and entry into force.

Who is affected

  • MEPs who are pregnant or have recently given birth, enabling them to vote by proxy.

Figures and deadlines

  • three months before the estimated date of birth
  • six months after the birth

Legal basis: Article 223(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a(1) of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community