Without the Constitutional Treaty, "the European Union cannot shape a foreign and security policy capable of facing at least the most important challenges", such as "globalization, cross-border migration, terrorism, energy dependence and climate change". Elmar Brok is the German European MP drafter of the report which is going to be discussed in Brussels, by the EU parliament, today. Unlike the position manifested by the different premiers of the member States, and by the president of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, the Assembly is going on thinking that both "the adoption of the Constitution within 2008 and the appointment of a foreign minister to make common security and foreign policy more effective and consistent" are necessary. Moreover, during today’s session, the members of the European Parliament, with a view to the EU-Russia summit on July 18th, are starting a debate in the presence of the representatives of the Council and of the Commission. Defence of human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration will be the subjects tackled by the Parliament. Still in the sector of foreign policy, there is also the report by French MEP Michel Rocard, asking for "strengthening partnership with Arab countries, respecting traditions and cultures, as well as human rights and the legally constituted state".
