Diana Wallis MEP 'hopeful' as European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee votes on her 'Rome II' report tomorrow, Tuesday 21 June (Diana Wallis MEP)

Diana Wallis MEP <info@dianawallismep.org.uk>

Diana Wallis MEP 'hopeful' as European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee votes on her 'Rome II' report tomorrow, Tuesday 21 June

June 20, 2005 8:41 PM

The European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee votes tomorrow Tuesday 21 June, on Diana Wallis MEP's report on the so-called 'Rome II' proposed Regulation to deal with the law applicable to non-contractual obligations.

Rome II seeks to reduce obstacles to cross border trade and movement of persons resulting from differing rules on conflict of laws between EU member state in cases relating to non-contractual obligations in civil and commercial matters (for example, cross-border disputes arising from incidents such as negligence, defamation; where there is no contract between the parties).

Diana Wallis, who is the Liberal Group's Spokesperson on the Committee, said in Brussels, "This is an important milestone in legislative terms. We are breaking new ground, laying out a coherent legal order for the EU for non-contractual claims. In this instance, there has never previously been an international convention. So with its new found co-decision powers in this area, the European Parliament has an amazing and exciting role to play."

"I have consulted widely all the main stakeholders and there seems to be a broad consensus to move forward. I am hopeful that the report will be accepted by my colleagues on the Legal Affairs Committee."

ends.

Notes:

The Rome II report will be voted in the full plenary session in Strasbourg in 2 weeks time.

Commission proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on the Law Applicable to Non-Contractual Obligations ("Rome II").

COM (2003) 427 final. The Co-decision procedure gives the European Parliament equal legislative power with the Council of Ministers. There will be two readings in Committee and plenary session, followed - if necessary - by Conciliation between the two Houses, before the Regulation can become law.