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The Treaty of Rome was not immutable, but changes in the institutional balance were not a prerequisite for a more
effective role for the Parliament. Whatever was decided
in the Intergovernmental Conference would have to be acceptable to twelve national parliaments, as jealous of their powers as the European Parliament was zealous to extend its powers.
5. 1986 Budget (UKDel Strasbourg telno 234) The Parliament voted first on a motion by the British Socialists to reject the budget. The motion failed with 47 in favour, 246 against and 2 abstentions. Christodoulou's single amendment to increase commitments and payments by 1407 mecu and 1598.5 mecu for enlargement and the cost of the past was overwhelmingly approved with 327 in favour, none against and seven abstentions. Barbarella's proposed critical remarks on the UK's VAT abatement were rejected as they failed to get the necessary 218 votes. The vote was 162 in favour, 134 against with 11 abstentions. The German Christian Democrats voted with the British MEPS against Barbarella's proposal. Other non-obligatory expenditure was increased by 378 mecu commitments and 214
mecu payments. The Budgets Committee's resolution was approved by a large majority.. Cot (Chairman of the Budgets Committee) stressed that the door was still open for negotiations
with the Council.
6.
People's Europe (UKDel Strasbourg telnos 232, 236, 237) : The Parliament - adopted a resolution which inter alia called
for :
(i)
The introduction of a uniform electoral system
before the 1989 elections
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Strengthened cultural cooperation
The establishment of a European media policy and the creation of a European TV channel
The inclusion of at least two foreign languages
in schools' basic curricula
2.
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