The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Christian VON BOETTICHER (EPP-ED, D) making some significant amendments to the Commission's proposal. (Please see the summary of 19/02/2004.) Parliament opposed the coordination of expulsions as part of the mandate of the Agency and deleted references to this.
Parliament also stated that the Agency should not be set up until a decision is taken on its permanent seat and that this should be agreed by 31 December 2004. It opposed the creation of agency branches.
Parliament passed amendments to enhance the powers of the European Commission, stating that it should have six seats on the management board instead of two. The Commission rather than the Management Board should appoint the Executive Director and have the power to dismiss him.
Finally, certain amendments give the Parliament greater scrutiny powers, such as requiring the Executive Director to appear before it.�