RULES GOVERNING PATRONAGE BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Patronage is a way for the European Parliament to associate itself with a selected number of events which satisfy the conditions for eligibility in order to increase public interest in, and visibility of , its activities and those of the European Union among citizens, the media and civil society. Patronage is a form of moral support and should not place Parliament under any financial or material obligation. The President of the Parliament decides whether Parliament is to lend its patronage to an event. In making this decision, the President has a margin of discretion, in particular in order to ensure that Parliament’s dignity and image is properly safeguarded and promoted.

Conditions for eligibility

1. Patronage of Parliament can only be granted to specific and confirmed events.
2. The event for which patronage is sought must:

• have a clear European dimension;
• be of sufficient high quality; and
• have a relevant impact on public opinion i.e. be adequately publicised and have positive effects extending far beyond the organisers.

3. An event will not be eligible for patronage if

• its organisers or the event itself undermine the basic democratic values, principles and rights set out in the Treaties or in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
• it has a commercial purpose, or
• it is of a party-political nature and includes routine or internal activities of trade unions of political parties.

4. Particular attention shall be given to:

• the extent to which the event highlights the Institution’s or the Union’s role and contribution to, or priorities in, the field concerned;
• the recurrence of requests for patronage concerning an event, given that such arrangements shall not be permanent;
• events organised by, or aimed at, young people;
• events directly relating to less-favoured social groups:
• the level and standing and other putative or confirmed patrons, and any support received from Members of Parliament

Procedural Conditions for Eligibility

1. Request for patronage must be sent to the President by post, electronically or by fax at least two months before the event is to start.
2. Requests shall contain the following supporting information:
   • A full description of the event;
   • A detailed programme including confirmed dates;
   • The details of any putative or confirmed partners and/or patrons, and
   • Any other relevant information

Events befitting from patronage must adequately highlight this fact and give visibility to Parliament by using the Institution’s logo, in accordance with Parliament’s Graphics Guide, and by mentioning in their communication that the event takes place under the patronage of Parliament.