A report on racism and xenophobia, drawn up by the Agency for Fundamental Rights, submitted today to the Commission for civil rights, marks the full resumption of work, after the summer holidays, for the EU Parliament, while Barroso’s Commission has never stopped working. Over the last few days, meetings will be held within the commissions and political groups to prepare the plenary meeting, due from 3rd to 6th September. In Strasbourg, several subjects will be addressed, such as the initiative to improve the lawmaking methods and the future rules for the areas of milk, the fight against terrorism, sustainable fishing. Within the EU, the highlights of the autumn months will be two: firstly, the development of the new "reform treaty", which will replace the Constitution signed in 2004 which has never been enforced; secondly, the procedure for the 2008 budget. According to the president of Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering, the Inter-Governmental Conference (IGC), opened on July 23rd for the drawing up of the Treaty, is "the event par excellence". "I am sure explained the German politician we will draw up a good text during the Portuguese six months’ presidency. Then we will have to ratify it as soon as possible to give the EU a democratic and operational boost". The IGC conference might close during the Lisbon summit of 18th and 19th October, with the submission of the Treaty.
