On July 6th, 2005, the Software Patents Directive was rejected by the European Parliament with an overwhelming majority of 648 votes vs 14.
It was the first time in European Union history that civil society spread its voice so massively, was heard and won over big industries lobbyists. The unforgettable day when the European Parliament reminded the Commission and Council of the signification of the word Democracy. According to Josep Borell, former EP President : the "most decisive majority vote in the history of the chamber".
Michel Rocard, rapporteur on the Directive commented : "There is a collective and unanimous anger on the part of the entire Parliament at the unacceptable way it has been treated by the Commission and the Council. A total and cynical contempt for the choices made by Parliament at first reading. A total absence of any consultation by the Commission in drafting the text for the second reading. Repeated attempts even to stop discussions between Governments within the Council itself. As a matter of principle, this is scandalous enough. The crisis in Europe today has a lot to do with the deficit of democracy, an area where the Council has an overwhelming responsibility, as it has proved amply on this issue. Let us hope that this rejection is a lesson to it ! "
He concluded : "The European Parliament has refused to ratify the recent judicial errors (...) If these errors were to continue, it now seems clear that a parliamentary majority would emerge to put a stop to them."
Today, the European Parliament is about to vote on the Unitary Patent which will lead to software patents flow all over Europe. As foreboded by Michel Rocard in 2005, will a parliamentary majority emerge to "put a stop" ?
Visit www.06072005.eu for more information.
