Dutch parliament opposes patent directive [LWN.net]

Here's an FFII release stating that the Dutch parliament has voted - narrowly - for a motion asking the Dutch government to oppose the adoption of the European patent directive next week. "Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade Van Gennip has confirmed she will execute the motion as intended. It is now the Commission's turn to act."

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Dutch parliament opposes patent directive

Posted Feb 11, 2005 11:33 UTC (Fri) by chel (guest, #11544) [Link]

This is a step in the good direction, but sometimes Dutch ministers have a strange perception of democracy and parliament. Sometimes this looks like contemp. This results in: "Van Gennip was not very eager to obey the motion, but nevertheless confirmed she will follow it." and "In July 2004, the Dutch Parliament already adopted a motion calling upon its government to refrain from further supporting the Council text. The Dutch government has refused to carry out this motion.."

We should hope for the best.

Dutch parliament opposes patent directive

Posted Feb 11, 2005 12:05 UTC (Fri) by gowen (guest, #23914) [Link]

What you've got to understand is that "Motions" in the Dutch Parliament do create binding legislation. They're much closer to expressions of intent. The Dutch Parliament can amend/pass/reject legislation -- and in doing so bind the behaviour of the ruling administration -- but the procedure for doing so is not the one followed here.

We have a similar thing in the UK (early day motions), and often they merely expressed sentiments like "The House congratulates Wales for beating England at rugby"...

Dutch parliament opposes patent directive

Posted Feb 11, 2005 14:47 UTC (Fri) by jreiser (subscriber, #11027) [Link]

"Motions" in the Dutch Parliament do create binding legislation

Did you mean to say do NOT create binding legislation?

Dutch parliament opposes patent directive

Posted Feb 11, 2005 14:51 UTC (Fri) by gowen (guest, #23914) [Link]

Yes. <Smashes head repeatedly on table>