MEPs approved a report in which they ask that EU-level political parties and foundations should have a legal personality based directly on EU law. Moreover, greater flexibility in financing, a higher ceiling for donations and a right for European parties to take part in referendum campaigns are among other suggestions made.

European political parties are 'umbrella organisations' made up of national political parties in the EU states. In 2003, a regulation lays down the criteria they need to meet as well as the funding rules. Most of the European political parties receiving EU funding are currently registered as non-governmental organisations in Belgium but some are based in other Member States. MEPs argue that more convergence is needed and conclude that this "can only be achieved by establishing a common legal and fiscal status based on EU law for the European political parties". According to the report, the solution could be to give them an authentic legal status.

With regard to the funding criteria, Parliament recommends several reforms of the rules on political party funding. They suggest raising the ceiling for donations from 12 000 Euros to 25 000 Euros per year per donor and paying the annual grant to parties earlier in the year. Relaxing the funding rules would be counterbalanced by providing for sanctions. MEPs believe that to receive EU funding, the party should have at least one Member in the European Parliament.