2005-01-23 Danish Social Democrats call Government to Renegotiate Software Patent Agreement
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Copenhagen, 23rd of January 2004 -- Jacob Buksti, spokesman on european affairs of the social democratic party in the Danish Parliament, has sent a letter to Denmark's foreign minister asking the government to call for renegotiation of the software patent directive in the Council. If the government supports the present course of adopting the draft as an A-item, the social demoracts "can not support the government", according to the letter. If the call is followed, there must be a new vote on the directive, and the lack of a qualified majority will become apparent.
- The "normalised situation" refers to the election of the parliament on 8 February 2005.
- Denmark has a minority government.
The social democrats are the second largest party, so they are probably quite often needed to get things approved.
Original Letter
- Sir Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller Ministry of Foreign Affairs Januar 23rd 2005 Dear Per Stig Møller, In June, during the Irish presidency, a compromise concerning the so-called software patent directive was passed with the narrowest possible majority, which means that standards and interoperability (communication between systems/user) is not protected against patenting. Specifically, this means that the compromise makes it legal to patent standards and software, which are necessary for ensuring interoperability without having to run a hurdle race over various patents, which is very destructive for open standards, unhindered communication between public systems and private, and the development of software. Earlier, the Danish Social Democracy Party supported the Danish governments negotiation mandate, but we find that the situation has developed in such a way that renewed considerations about the Danish position is required. The case was on the agricultural Ministers(!) Council meeting the 21^st December, but was removed from the agenda due the Polish request. However, it is uncertain if it again will turn up on the meeting on Monday. Should this be the case, it will under all circumstances be important that the Danish government informs that it wants the case postponed till the political situation in Denmark is "normalised". We find that it is important that time is set aside to reconsider the case, and we will not be able to support the government, if it is tried to press it through at the present time. Yours Sincerely Jacob Buksti, MP Spokeman on European Affairs The Danish Social Democracy Party