Debate on the Institutions” “

The 22nd plenary session of the Convention on the future of Europe took place in Brussels on 15-16 May. To the draft articles on the Institutions presented by the Presidium the 205 members of the Convention presented no less than 1600 amendments. Presidency of the Union – The proposal to introduce the role of President of the European Council for a term of office of from 2.5 to 5 years is supported by the six ‘big’ countries of the EU (Italy, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland and Spain). But it is opposed by those who support the present system based on a rotating six-monthly Presidency: namely, the smaller countries, part of the delegation of the European Parliament and the European Commission under Romano Prodi. If those in favour speak of the need for ‘stability and continuity’, and those against fear the excessive power of the more influential governments, an intermediate position has been adopted by the Benelux which maintains that a full-time Presidency would only be acceptable if endowed with limited powers complementary to those of the Commission. Greek Foreign Minister and current EU President, Georges Papandreou, has proposed the election of the President of the Council by universal suffrage. EU Foreign Minister – The idea of endowing the EU with a single Foreign Minister is supported by almost everyone. Such a Minister would combine the functions of the current High Representative for common foreign and security policy and of the Commissioner for external relations: so his remit would cover the combined fields of foreign policy, foreign trade, security and defence. Doubts have however been expressed about the “placement” and effective mandate of the Minister: there is no unanimity on the proposal to assign to him both the vice-presidency of the Commission and the permanent chairmanship of the Council of general affairs and external relations. Composition of the Commission – This is a crucial problem that clearly divides governments, members of the Convention and the Commission itself. Giscard proposes a reduced Commission, composed of a President, a Vice-President – who would also be EU Foreign Minister -, 13 effective members and a similar number of delegates. By contrast, Romano Prodi, the existing smaller states and all the new members favour the principle ‘one State, one Commissioner’. In an attempt to break the deadlock, the Benelux declared its willingness to accept a reduced executive “on condition that the principle of balanced rotation” between the titular and delegate members of the Commission, on the basis of nationality, “be maintained”. Qualified majority – For the future deliberations of the Council, unanimity will form the exception, and qualified majority vote (QMV) the rule. QMV should also be extended to decisions on foreign policy, common security and defence. The proposal is opposed by the UK and some of the smaller states. European Parliament – The proposal to reinforce the role of the EP in the enlarged Europe and give it a role of co-legislator on a basis of parity with the European Council is widely supported. The Presidium’s proposal to give the EP the power to elect the President of the Commission was favourable received. Some members of the Convention ask that the EP should also elect the EU Foreign Minister. Armaments Agency – The establishment of a European Armaments Agency and the draft articles on reinforced cooperation were also favourably received (with some reservations by those who fear the emergence of a Europe of two or more speeds). Calendar and method of work – As for the Convention’s final draft of the Constitution, the Presidium and the delegates are studying ways of seeking a consensus which should be as wide as possible to make the draft credible in the eyes of public opinion and of the Intergovernmental Conference that will open under the Italian Presidency. The suggestion is gaining ground that only the first part of the Constitution and the provisions relating to the Charter of Fundamental Rights would be delivered to the Salonika Summit on 21/22 June, and that a postponement be requested to complete the chapters of the second and third part relating to EU policies and actions. The three plenary sessions prior to the Summit are scheduled for 31/31 May, 4-6 June and 11-13 June.