Background & Purpose
The previous rules for awarding medals to members of parliament needed an update to better reflect different roles and service lengths. The new law ensures that the criteria are clearer and more inclusive.
The Decision
The parliament decided to introduce a new law that updates the requirements for receiving a parliamentary medal, ensuring that substitute members are treated equally to regular members.
Does this affect you?
- Members of Parliament: They are the primary recipients of the medals upon leaving their positions, with clear rules on how their service length and roles determine the medal size.
- Substitute Members: They are now explicitly included in the medal eligibility criteria, ensuring they are recognized for their service just like regular members.
In Practice
- Members who serve for at least six years in a row can receive a medal in the eighth size.
- Members who serve for at least twelve years in a row can receive a medal in the twelfth size.
- Leadership roles, such as committee chairs or the Speaker, can qualify a member for a larger medal after six years of service.
- Substitute members are now officially eligible for medals under the same conditions as regular members.
- Serving as the chair of the EU Committee now counts toward the same medal eligibility as chairing other parliamentary committees.