Transparency - implementation of the Birmingham declaration

Access to the work of the Council

1. Open Debates on Work Programme and on Major Initiatives of Public Interest
   1. Open orientation debates on relevant Precidency or Commission work programmes, in both the General Affairs Council and the ECOFIN Counil. The timing will be for decision by the Presidency.

   2. In addition, in the above Councils and the Agriculture and Environment Councils, there should be regular open debate on major issues of public interest. It will be for the Presidency, any Member state or the Commission to propose issues for open debate. The decision will be taken by the Council on a case by case basis.

2. Legislation

   Major new legislative proposals will, whenever appropriate, be the subject of a preliminary open debate, in the relevant Council, on the basis of the Commission's legislative proposal. It will be for the Presidency, any Member State or the Commission to propose a specific subject for debate. The decision will be taken by the Council on a case by case basis. Negotiations on legislation in the framework of the Council shall remain confidential.

3. Publication of Voting Records

   When a formal vote is taken in Council, the record of the vote (including explanations of vote where delegations request these) shall be published.

4. The decision on holding an open debate on a specific item under point a ii) and b) shall be taken by simple majority, and the Council's Rules of Procedure amended accordingly.

5. "Public access" will be achieved by televising the debate for viewing in the press area of the Council building.