OPERATION

Thierry Robberecht – Marco Venanzi – Michel Pierret

RED DRAGON

OPERATION RED DRAGON

www.alde.eu

Thierry Robberecht – Marco Venanzi – Michel Pierret

 OPERATION
Thierry Robberecht – Marco Venanzi – Michel Pierret

RED DRAGON
Based on creation by Yannick Laude

Illustrations: Marco Venanzi – Michel Pierret

Story: Thierry Robberecht
Colors: Thierry Faymonville – Mathieu Gauthy
 ISBN 978-2-203-70072-7
Original title : Opération Dragon Rouge
Translation : Ros Schwartz

© Casterman 2006 - Reedition 2010

All rights reserved. No part of the work may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and
retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
D. 2006/0053/612
3
 As you are aware, the aim of
Brussels. European these negotiations is to remove
Parliament. Meeting trade barriers and stimulate
of the Parliamentary global growth...
Committee on We move on to
International Trade.
Commissioner David
Elroy’s report on the WTO
negotiations … Mr Elroy,
over to you …

we are encouraging Dong

Fang to step up measures
against counterfeiting and
piracy, which is of concern
to our manufacturers,
and I’m glad to say there
is progress …

4
 We have been demanding
An EU delegation led by Elisa Correr,
this through repeated
our rapporteur, is currently in Dong Fang
resolutions, supported
on a fact-finding mission, which is why
by the precedent
she is not here today …
set in 1994.

The choice of a stalwart Liberal

such as Ms Correr to take charge
of this report made a favourable
impression on the Council and it
is likely that the Presidency will
propose to grant Parliament the
right of assent for the proposed
Trade treaty...

Ms Correr, I am deeply
honoured by the trust you place
in the People’s Republic of Dong Because you have failed
Fang concerning trade. But to keep your promises on the
why are you so inflexible question of human rights, Mr Li,
with regard to lifting and I sincerely hope that you will
the arms embargo? be forced to embrace democracy as
a result of the increased wealth
trade brings the people
of Dong Fang.

I’m glad I’m going home

tomorrow! I’ve had enough No, Mathias, he’s
It’s going well, of all this kowtowing! My not from here.
isn’t it? I’ve never back aches! You’re very Besides, I have no
quiet. You’re thinking idea where he is.
known the Dong Fang
about Tony, aren’t you?
officials to be so I think,
Is he here? After all,
conciliatory! Mathias, that he’s at home here.
they’re playing off
the Parliament against
the Council, which is
a good opportunity
for us.

5
 Wherever he’s from,
you seem pretty keen
on him! You know what
you should do …

You’re an expert
on world trade, Mathias,
but I don’t need your
advice on other
matters …

Tony!

What are you I had to see you, Elisa,

doing here? but in private … I’d rather I wasn’t able
I thought
Hello nobody caught us to contact you…
I’d see you
Elisa! together … I’ve got a lot of
sooner …
problems at the
moment …

6
The political
police?
Have a look
at these!

It’s the proof that European

What weapons have been sold
is it? to Dong Fang …
and delivered!

No. I don’t think

the government is
involved in this business
at all. More likely the hit
squad of a corrupt general
with links to the triads .

Arms manufacturers from several European

countries have defied it … these photos
were taken in the province of Sin Kiang,
a week ago …you recognise this logo,
it’s a European consortium …

It can’t be
true, there’s
an embargo!

I was caught by the security

guards … I had to run … Come back with me!
There won’t be any Don’t be naïve, Elisa!
problem as you’re They won’t let me leave
not wanted by with the European
the state police! delegation …they have
a long reach …I’ll have
to chance my luck …

They know I’m here …

I wanted to hand the
photos over to you …
and see you again …

7
When will I see
you again? … at least
Soon!…
I hope so!

I don’t believe it!

What are they going
to do with him? Now this is
the plan …
They searched
him. They’re
This! clearly looking
for something!

Photos?

8
 European Council of Ministers’ building.
Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
The European Union district of Brussels …
I support the presidency. We already did
The agreement under negotiation at the so in 1994 during the previous round
WTO will modify too many acts passed of negotiations, and we had no
by co-decision with the Parliament, essen- cause for regret!
tially in the field of services. The presi-
dency cannot refuse to grant assent on
the overall bill to the Parliament.
Besides, the European Commission is in
agreement, and my country respects
Parliament’s prerogative. During our
presidency, we have kept the
Parliament fully informed
of the state of
the negotiations.

Good, I think we can

Besides, with a MEP like
Elisa Correr, I think we can
avoid futile debates over the
benefits of free trade...
recommend a decision
of principle along
these lines to the
next General Affairs
Council.

Elisa, there’s Maybe … but I shall complain to We have

nothing else you I feel as if the highest authorities, diplomatic
can do but go I’m deserting Captain. We are part passports!
back to Europe! Tony! of an official This search
delegation! is illegal.

What’s
going
on?

9
They’re going! He’ll be
Li’s going to outraged! Hi Paola! Sorry to
hear about That search wake you … I need you to
this! was completely contact Helmut ASAP.
out of order!

I have a case to submit to

him and I’d like him as chairman
of the group to put it on
the agenda of our
next meeting …

European Union district, This arms sale

the European Parliament. business is
unbelievable!

Elisa managed to hand

over the photos to the
European representatives
in Dong Fang. I received
them today in the
diplomatic bag!

10
 And what is Elisa
Ok Paola! I’ll put Tony Liang planning to do about
on the agenda for tomorrow’s the arms?
meeting so we can draft an
urgency resolution.

I think she’s going

to raise it at national level
first. The main manufacturer
alleged to have sold arms to
Dong Fang is in our country.

I’d like Elisa to come and see me

the minute she gets back. This looks
like a very serious matter. Yes … Paola … what time
is the group meeting? OK. I’ve
already got a meeting with the
Defence Minister who’ll be
in Brussels for a Council
meeting ... he seemed
anxious to see me.

I’ll
tell her.

With all due respect, Minister, There’s no

I have to attend a Council meeting need for irony.
have you forgotten that our
now and be back in the capital at Your party
country signed an embargo
the end of today. So let’s be brief. is in opposition
on the sale of arms
Why are you getting involved to the gouvern-
to Dong Fang?
in this business? ment, you could
be bluffing.

And besides, I’m

surprised that you, Ms
Correr, are prepared to
risk offending our oriental
friends, in the midst of
the WTO negotiations ...

11
 Forgive me for insisting … What? What
it’s about your trip do you want?
to Dong Fang …

I don’t have
Ms Correr! time… I have
an appoint-
ment.

It would be better
to keep the information
you were given to yourself,
it was probably false …

Is that a
Are you threat?
telling me to
keep quiet?

I wouldn’t presume,
Ms Correr … let’s say
it’s a piece of advice.

That information
could harm a lot of
people, even you!

12
Meeting room of the alde group in the european parliament

Even though I don’t believe an urgency

resolution is appropriate, I think
we should pay attention to the fate
of minorities in this country …

There are two more

speakers and then I’d like to draw your attention
we’ll talk about He’s not to a very serious human rights
your friend from from Dong case in Dong Fang. Mathias Lange,
Dong Fang. Fang! MEP, witnessed the forceful arrest
of the journalist Tony Liang
by a group of thugs linked to
an ambitious, corrupt
general ...

We have good reason

to believe that the Dong Fang government
has no involvement in this affair but feels duty
bound to keep quiet about it so as not to lose face.
Meanwhile, we have no idea of Tony Liang’s current
whereabouts and we fear for his safety. This
resolution should force the Dong Fang authorities
to face up to their responsibilities.

... I am asking you to put an urgency I understand Elisa’s concern,

resolution demanding Mr Liang’s immediate but is she not afraid of souring
release on the agenda of the plenary our already fragile relations
Parliamentary session. with Dong Fang?

Granted, but the Liberal

Democrats have principles
to defend and this is a
question of human rights
so we must take that risk.
Especially as Mr Liang
is also a British citizen.

13
Good, well, I think we are May I …?
all agreed that I should
put Elisa’s resolution
concerning Tony Liang
before the Conference
of Presidents. I hope to
be able to convince them
as Elisa has convinced us
…

Tony’s photos have arrived You know I have a

in Brussels. They were given to lot of friends in
me this morning. It was clever the government?
of you and Mathias to
think of that.

So, I’ve found

out that it will be
hushed up. The state
has stakes in the
military industry and
the government would
Of course, Paola.
rather stifle the
The Chair of my national
affair. They don’t
delegation is always
Yes, so…? want to be the
welcome.
whistleblowers …

I suspected as much.
The minister acted very
hypocritically when
I saw him yesterday.

14
 Hello? Who are you, and what Hello!
do you want? Hello!
Have you thought
about what
I said earlier, I want to stop
Ms Correr? you making a mistake,
Ms Correr! A very
serious
mistake!

Meeting of the Conference of

Ladies and
Presidents of the political groups
Gentleman,
at the European Parliament.
I declare the
session closed.

15
 I’ve just come out of the Helmut, I need
Conference of presidents: the to talk to you. I’ve
been threatened. What?
proposed urgency resolution
When?
concerning Tony Liang’s arrest
was carried. We’ll discuss it
at the next plenary
session.

Last night. Someone

wants to stop me
releasing Tony’s What are you
photos proving going to do?
that European
manufacturers
have sold arms
to Dong Fang.

Are these
Hold a press photographs Fabrizio!
conference. It’s reliable? Arrange a press
the only solution. conference for
Yes! 2 pm tomorrow.
It’s my lifeline!
It is of the utmost
You can importance. Hint
still change that it concerns
your mind. a huge scandal.

You mean that as soon

as it’s public, the arms I know.
lobby will no longer have
a reason to attack you?

Exactly!

Certainly
Helmut, is
that all?

16
 Night has fallen
over the EU district.

17
18
 Sorry, I didn’t realise
meetings were
still going on.

Can I stay with you

for a few days? I’ve
had such a scare.

Hello …
Is Paola
there?

A few days later

... I’d like to see
The Liberal Democrat MEP these famous photos
Elisa Correr held a press before taking
conference this morning … a stance...
she claims to have proof that
European arms are being sold
to Dong Fang. This scandal
has created a huge stir…

… the sale of arms

does not come within the
jurisdiction of the European
Union, but the embargo
imposed after the terrible
repression in 1989
remains in force. There have been
mixed reactions to MEP
Elisa Correr’s claims…

19
 Arms Tomorrow the European Parliament will vote on a resolution
sc
photoandal
demanding the release of a journalist being held illegally
in Dong Fang. His investigations uncovered a European arms

s! trafficking operation organised by an oriental mafia.

Our guest is the chairman of the EAC, the European arms
consortium, who insists on responding to MEP
Elisa Correr’s allegations.

The A
photo LDE group
ting th s taken by T has publishe
e Euro o d
pean any Liang inc the
rms co rim
nsortiu ina-
m.

So are you saying I believe Ms Correr acted in

Let me state emphatically
that the Liberal- good faith, but I think she allowed
that our group is complying
herself to be manipulated by an
with the European embargo Democrat
unscrupulous photographer
on the sale of arms to Dong MEP lied?
prepared to do anything
Fang and so these photos to get a scoop…
must be rigged …!

…we have been told that this

good lady is having an affair
with Mr Liang, the photographer ...
she has probably fallen prey
to a trickster …

Strasbourg, office of the President of the ALDE group.

Now what are The main priority right now
you going is Tony Liang’s fate! I am
That was below the to do? confident that our resolution
belt. It was only will be carried at the
to be expected! I don’t know, plenary tomorrow.
Helmut, I don’t
know!

20

I’m sorry. I’m very behind
on my work as a result of
this business. Thanks for your
help on my report on the WTO
negotiations, Mathias...
I know. And that’s why
I’m loath to tell you
what I plan to do...
I’d like the delegation’s backing
for two things: demanding an
independent inquiry into the violation
of the arms embargo, and an
amendment to my report suspending
the granting of assent until the
Council and the Dong Fang
government give an explanation.
What’s that?
I sympathise, and you’re bound
to find allies in the other
parliamentary groups, but first
of all you have to convince
our own group to make the
connection between trade and
this arms trafficking affair.
21
You’re welcome. I’ve got some good
You know it interests news. This afternoon
me, but I think we should the Council of
set a cut-off date Ministers voted to
for amendments. grant parliament the
right of assent. That
will make your report
even more important.
Tomorrow’s resolution
is a first step. I think this group
is principled enough to support
me in the next stages.
 My good friend Jinsong, I find this
Dear Zhenbang, I am concerned. Can I reassure our
affair deeply worrying too. We do
The Europeans could do a lot European colleagues that
not know where he is. We suspect he
of damage to our trade if we don’t we have no involvement
may have been kidnapped by General
give them news of this Liang. in arms trafficking
Shao, the governer general of
Where is he? or in his arrest.
the autonomous province
of Sin Kiang.

It is out of the question for us to Time is short. I fear that all Dong Fang’s
let it be known that we’re not on top efforts to be part of world trade will come
of the situation! Give me a few days to nothing if anything happens to him.
to corner Shao. I promise I’ll do my
utmost to make sure this Tony Liang
is found safe and sound. I know,
old comrade.

22
Plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
I witnessed the arrest of
the British citizen Tony Liang. Even
though several complaints have
been lodged, we still have not
been informed of the charges
against him …
We don’t even know where
he is being detained or whether
there will be a trial. I therefore
support the urgency resolution
demanding the release of
Tony Liang.

It’s a matter of sending

a strong signal to the Dong
Fang authorities on the issue
of human rights!

Let us proceed
to a vote.

23
 The urgency resolution I’ve just heard
demanding the immediate on to the radio ….
release of Tony Liang is There’s been a new
carried by an overwhelming development!
majority.

This morning, the body of a man Fred Michelis worked for the European
who had been shot dead was discovered arms consortium, the consortium
by children playing football. mentioned a few days ago in
The body had been buried but connection with the sale of arms
a hand was visible. to Dong Fang …

The hand was probably

unearthed by small animals.
According to preliminary
reports, the body is probably
that of Fred Michelis, an
engineer specialising in arms …

This murder of course

strengthens the accusations This murder Absolutely.
of Liberal-Democrat MEP Elisa sheds a different But why kill
Correr. Did Fred Michelis know light on things… that engineer?
something about the sale of
arms to Dong Fang? More in
the next news bullentin …

24
 That name rings a bell. Michelis, There’s only one thing to do. Don’t think of it, Elisa!
What do we
Michelis... of course, he wrote me Demand an independent inquiry and These agreements are
do now?
a rather confused letter. I didn’t step up the pressure, threaten vital for everyone.
get around to replying, I’ve received not to give our assent to the
so many letters since the press WTO agreement!
conference ...

The affair is sufficiently serious. We’ll have to raise it with the group You can already count
I was threatened. There’s been a murder. first. I’ll put this proposal on on our delegation’s
The member states must face up to the agenda of the next preparatory support for Elisa.
their responsibilities. meeting for the Brussels
mini-session.

Helmut, Elisa’s right!

The serious turn this affair has
taken demands that Parliament
takes a strong line.

The following week.

Minister, what is your
response to MEP Elisa
Correr’s accusations
that arms are being
sold to Dong Fang?

No comment. And Ms Correr

should have no comment either:
it is a national matter.

25
 What about the Meanwhile, at a meeting of
In our country, the But the government is opposing
investigation into the ALDE group in Brussels…
executive powers the investigating magistrate’s request
the engineer’s to extend his investigation to the
murder? How is that and the judicial
activities of the European arms … dear friends, one of the
progressing? powers are separate.
consortium. fundamental principles that unite
I have nothing to
say to you. It’s a matter us is our respect for treaties
of defence and other commitments ……
secrets. I’m
sorry.

…today, there are solid

reasons to believe that some
member states have violated
the embargo on the sale of
arms to Dong Fang …

I have already been told that
this is not a matter for the EU …
but we have seen the violation of
the Council’s joint decision on the
embargo, the abuse of the Code
of conduct on arms exports and
a powerless European Weapons
Agency... what more can I say!
You know that I have always
advocated that Dong Fang should be
seen as an ally of the EU in these
trade negotiations ... and yet, today,
I am asking you to vote for an
amendment to my report which
could block the WTO agreements
until some light is shed
on this affair …

I am asking you in the

name of the principles
our political family
fights to defend.

26
 I’d like to thank Elisa and shall
vigorously defend her proposal at
the Conference of presidents before
our next mini-session
in Brussels.

MEEting of the conference of presidents

of political groups. Europe’s credibility is
at stake … how can the
I’m finding it hard to understand European citizen have faith
the ALDE’s position on this issue… in us if we sign codes
global trade for the coming of conduct which we do
years is at stake … not adhere to? If we violate
our stated principles?

If I understand our colleague’s Supposing my group

I’m curious to know how you’ll explain
motion, and I approve it, it will be refuses to support you.
things to the press and the public who are
sufficient for the Council to believe What will you do?
beginning to take a keen interest
that we can block the agreement for
in this issue.
us to obtain a proper independent
inquiry that will have the power to
question the Ministers of defence of
the countries implicated, the High
Representative and
the director of the
Weapons Agency...

27
Paris, gare du nord.
No danger. It’s thought
that Michelis handed her
She’ll proof. Do as planned.
be getting on
the train in
15 minutes.
OK, consider
it done.

We’ll be in
Brussels in less
than an hour …

I fancy a coffee.
Shall I get
you one?

28
29
Help!
Help!

30
 The next day in Brussels, Meeting of
the committee of permanent representatives…
The clean-up’s begun in my capital If everybody is in agreement,
and heads are going to roll, and the the presidency is going to
We have learned that MEP Elise Correr was propose deferring the vote
same is probably happening in many
attacked last night. In these circumstances, on the Correr report in
of yours. The main issue now isn’t
there is no way we can backtrack on the exchange for full cooperation
arms dealing, but not to jeopardise
approval we have given Parliament. with Parliament. There’s
the trade treaty.
We would look ridiculous. not much time, the session
is about to start. I shall
phone my Minister to inform
him of your agreement
before joining him.

Meanwhile, at the plenary session of the European Parliament…

And yet, despite everything, I am now asking you to block
the WTO agreements. Dong Fang has not progressed far
enough along the road to democracy for us to capitulate
in the face of irrefutable evidence. This is no mistake:
Many of us believe
this arms dealing is in expectation of the lifting
that global trade will give
of the embargo that they want us
a boost to the economy
to agree to …
and to employment.

Our citizens would not

understand why we would
sell our souls to secure
trade agreements …
…I am asking this assembly
to take a stand and defend
the fundamental principles
of Europe, the principles
of democracy and
the rule of law.

31
 If the Council had agreed to set up
… before hearing about an inquiry into this alleged arms
the attack on our colleague, oh dealing, we wouldn’t have come to this.
I thought that this arms scandal ah I support the amendment and
was founded on rumour, but the amendment of the
I see now that it is based Correr report.
on fact.

This is childish. We can’t

jeopardise global trade for
an affair that sounds like the
plot of a trashy novel …
I call for the rejection
of the ALDE amendment …

The president
of the Council has
asked to speak.

Ladies and Gentlement, I request that the vote be

...we also agree that it is time to reply Deferred and that my report
the presidency asks you
favourably to Parliament’s requests concerning be sent to the Parliamentary
once again to defer the
the monitoring of EU foreign policy and the Committee until further
vote on this report.
funding of joint security activities. This sort details of the Council’s
In exchange, I wish to
of thing must not happen again without proposal are known.
inform you that the
Parliament being duly informed.
Council and the member
states are prepared
to cooperate fully with
an independent
inquiry ...

The rapporteur
asks to be allowed
to speak.

32
 TheRE is no doubt that the investi-
gation into the activities of the
European arms consortium is going
to be re-opened … the government
is in a delicate position especially
if an investigating magistrate
is able to prove that it was
involved in the sale of
arms to Dong Fang.
I have read your report on General Shao
and his Operation Red Dragon to acquire
European arms and threaten our
government. Well done for eliminating
him, and thank you for having found
Tony Liang safe and sound.

I have handed in my resignation

to the Prime Minister. It has
been accepted. I have nothing
further to say …

33
 Two weeks later in Dong Fang.

You will acknowledge that we’ve

had a crackdown, Ms Correr…
My government would like to
resume negotiations as soon
as possible …

So would I, but there

is still one issue to be
cleared up, Mr Li!

It’s not courage,

Mr Li… just a few
principles…!

I must admit that you have

great courage, Ms Correr:
to hold Dong Fang and
27 member states in check,
secure Liang’s
release… bravo!

The
End

34
 On top: Berlaymont, seat of the European Commission
Beneath: Justus Lipsus, seat of the Council of Ministers
The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the
European Parliament

“Operation Red Dragon” is fictional and Members of the

European Parliament fortunately do not lead such dan-
gerous lives as Elisa Correr*. Nevertheless, since its first
direct election by universal suffrage in 1979, the
European Parliament has gradually acquired a prominent
political role: it controls the activities and management of
the European Commission, which has the sole right of
legislative initiative, it co-legislates with the Council of the
EU, where Ministers from the twenty-seven states meet
in order to discuss work prepared by the Committee of
Permanent Representatives (Coreper).

Meeting room of the Committee of Permanent

Representatives (Coreper).

This double function of legislator and controller has

been very well reflected in recent years with, on the
one hand in 1999 the forced resignation of the
Commission, accused of bad management of public
funds, and on the other hand, the adoption of a series
of European laws favorable to consumers and citizens
alike, such as new rights for rail passengers subject to
delays or train cancellations, improvement in the quali-
ty of bathing water on European beaches, protection of
minors in internet use, and these are just the issues
covered by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for
Europe.

35

The legislative functions of the European Parliament
are exercised along party lines: the Parliament being
made up of political groups, which bring their
influence to bear in order to affect parliamentary
deliberations. The Alliance of Liberals and
Democrats for Europe (ALDE), the third largest
group in the Parliament, is at the centre of the
European political chess-board, which is often a key
hinge position between the two major groups, the
Group of Progressive Alliance of Socialists &
Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D), on
36
Plenary session of the European
Parliament.
the left of the hemicycle, and the
European People’s Party (EPP), on the
right which includes conservatives and
Christian-democrats.
Each political group is made up of national
parties, which in the case of the ALDE
consists of 19 countries (Germany,
France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain,
the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg,
Ireland, Denmark, Slovenia, Sweden,
Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria). The mem-
bers of the European Parliament are elec-
ted for 5 years in their own country. Paola
Bonani* leads the parliamentary delega-
tion to the which Elisa Correr belongs,
and as such she is a member of the
Bureau of the ALDE group, chaired by
Helmut Krüger*, who oversees the consistency of
the Group’s positions, which are sometimes affec-
ted by national divisions. ALDE is in this context
among the most disciplined of parliamentary groups.
The promotion of liberal democracy based on the
free market and the defense of fundamental rights,
combined with economic and social solidarity, res-
pect for the environment and cultural diversity,
constitutes the ideological base of the liberal and
democratic family.
European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Parliament works in two places, Strasbourg, in France,

where a weekly plenary session is held each month,
and Brussels, in Belgium, where the Parliamentary
Committees take place, and some additional plenary
sessions. The general secretariat of the EP is in
Luxembourg. Reports are prepared by Parliamentary
Committees, made up of MEPs divided up by legisla-
tive specialty, and voted in plenary session, in which all European Parliament in Brussels
732 MEPs are required to vote. This is the reason
why we see our heroes unceasingly shuttling between the means of a parliamentary resolution. At the same
the two cities. time the Foreign Affairs Committee, of which Mathias
Lange is a member, is also called to adopt resolutions,
known as urgencies, on specific cases, such as that of
Tony Liang *.

Elisa Correr is a member of the Committee on

International Trade, one of the 20 Parliamentary
Committees that make up the Parliament. She is rap-
porteur for the international Treaty concluded bet-
ween the EU and the World Trade Organisation
(WTO). This type of treaty is negotiated by the
Meeting of a Parliamentary Committee.
European Commission, on a mandate of the Council
of Ministers. The role of the rapporteur consists in
putting forward the position of Parliament, through

37
 Meeting of the conference of Presidents of the political groups.
It is the Conference of Presidents of Political Groups
which determines the agenda of parliamentary work
and therefore decides if and when reports or resolu-
tions will be debated and adopted in plenary sessions.
It is within this body that the President of the ALDE
Group will plead for the case of Tony Liang and where
he will defend the idea of a negative vote on the EU-
WTO Treaty.
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When speaking, political group presidents reflect the
debates held within their own political groups. Before
plenary sessions, all parliamentary groups thus hold
meetings where their political strategy is determined.
It is during these meetings that ALDE MEPs decide to
support a text or to amend it (i.e. to modify it) or
agree political maneuvers or negotiations that should
be undertaken with other parliamentary groups in
order to promote democratic and liberal positions.
* Fictitious characters
Meeting room of the ALDE group.