Seanad debates

Wednesday, 26 February 2003

Convention on the Future of Europe: Statements.

 

The working groups have submitted their reports which have been discussed in plenary. Key issues addressed in the reports include establishing a greater role for national parliaments in respect of subsidiarity; organising a Europe week, proposed by a working group of which I was a member; the incorporation of the charter of fundamental rights into the treaty or constitutional treaty as it is now known; a single legal personality for the European Union which implies abolishing the current three pillar structure – we can discuss this issue in greater detail during the question and answer session; the definition of the principles and objectives of the external policies of the Union; the expansion of Petersberg tasks to deal with current challenges with regard to peacekeeping, peacemaking and so forth; a solidarity clause to deal with terrorism in member states; simplification of legislative procedures and instruments; initiatives on key issues of justice and home affairs; treaty recognition of the balance between economic and social policies; inclusion of important social values and objectives in the treaty text; and recognition of the open method of co-ordination in areas of social concern.

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