Now there either has to be a re-submit of the original proposal or a whole new proposal by the European Commission. Whichever it is will go to Parliament for a First Reading. The bill's new rapporteur, MEP Michel Rocard, will shepherd the new proposal through the process all over again. MEPs made several amendments at the original First Reading, considerably limiting the scope of the Commission's proposal. Later most of the MEP's changes were removed prompting accusations of undemocratic processes, and secret deals behind closed doors. The Council's version was informally adopted as the parliament's common position in May last year. Groups like FFII and No Software Patents have waged a campaign against the directive.
Source:
The Register
Written by: James Delahunty @ 3 Feb 2005 6:30