I. whereas in certain Member States, the newly elected Members of the European Parliament are required to swear an oath of fidelity to the national constitution before their election is officially notified to Parliament, failing which the national authorities deem the seat of the Members concerned vacant and their parliamentary prerogatives suspended; whereas such a requirement may not be compatible with the Act of 20 September 1976, in particular Article 6(1) thereof, and with the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, in particular Articles 2(1) and 3(1) thereof;deleted