Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-03-10-Speech-3-005"
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"en.20040310.1.3-005"2
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". – Mr President, I am very happy to address you today in relation to the preparations for the Spring European Council and the IGC follow-up.
In our consultations, we have confirmed that there is a range of outstanding institutional and non-institutional issues, of varying complexity and sensitivity, which have been raised with us. Most of these were identified by the Italian presidency in the paper published ahead of the meeting of the European Council in December, though others are also on the table. We have gone through all of these questions carefully and in some significant detail. While there has been particular public focus on the institutional side of things, I can assure Parliament that our discussions with partners are not limited to those aspects of the draft Constitutional Treaty.
Our broad sense is that, while there are a reasonable number of outstanding issues, on the great majority it will be relatively easy to find consensus in the context of a process leading to an overall conclusion. Moreover, we have ascertained that there are many other issues, including some of considerable importance, on which there is effectively already agreement – although formally nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Of course, the great bulk of the Convention’s text has not been called into question at any stage of the IGC, and I am glad to say that very much remains the case.
I cannot say today whether it will be possible for the IGC to conclude its work during the Irish presidency. I can say this, however. If it were a matter for the Irish presidency we would resolve it. We have made it clear to this Parliament and we have made it clear in many statements that we are anxious and ambitious to achieve a resolution. It is also, however, very important to put it on the record that 25 Member States and 25 governments have a responsibility in this matter: it does not come down to the presidency.
Whether it is decided to convene a further meeting of the IGC in the near future is very much a matter of judgment for the European Council. However, I can say, and I have said it several times, that if political will is present, it will be easy to find a solution to the outstanding issues. The key to early agreement is political willingness to agree.
It is now over two years since the European Convention began its work. The issues have been debated intensively and extensively. At this point, I do not believe that outstanding differences will become easier to resolve over time. I have said this on several occasions in the last week or two: the difficulties that exist today will be more difficult in the future. In the second half of this year it will not be any easier to resolve the issues. There is a whole series of other issues that will make it more complex. Parliament will change, the Commission will change, the political players will change and it would be unwise to take the view that we have time on our side.
There are important issues to be considered in the second half of this year. It is my strong belief that these are all better considered independently of each other and that is another reason why we should go for the earliest possible solution, because if the issues come together it will make resolution more difficult.
I continue to believe that the new Constitution is profoundly in the interests of the Union and its citizens. It is a quantum leap forward in terms of clarity and accessibility. It will provide the Union with a solid foundation for its future growth and its future development. It will enable the Union to respond more effectively to the concerns of citizens and to play a more dynamic role in the wider world. In a sense it is a prize well worth striving for.
If there is a will to compromise – and let there be no doubt that without some compromise on all sides there will be no agreement – then I believe it should be possible to move things forward rapidly. As we have said before, if there is a serious possibility of progress, the Irish presidency will immediately move to seize that possibility.
As you will be aware from our detailed discussions on the Lisbon strategy at the last part-session, the Irish presidency is determined that the primary focus of the Spring European Council should be, as set out at Lisbon and Gothenburg, the follow-up to the Lisbon strategy with a strong emphasis on implementation and the need to target specific areas for concerted action by the Union. The future financial perspectives and current issues on the international agenda will also be addressed.
The presidency has consistently reiterated the need for the Spring European Council to give a strong signal as to the continued importance of the Lisbon strategy in providing a framework for simultaneous progress on economic, social and environmental renewal throughout the Union. When I addressed Parliament last month, I outlined the issues on which we intend to focus at the Spring European Council on 25 and 26 March.
I am pleased that Member States share our conviction that the agenda for the European Council should remain focused, and have given broad support for our approach of concentrating on a limited number of key issues. Similarly, Member States have also agreed that the overreaching priorities for the Council should be those of sustainable growth and employment as identified by us in the first draft of the annotated agenda issued on 17 February.
The Commission communication on the future financial perspectives – 'Building our Common Future' – was launched here on 10 February by Commission President Prodi. The presidency’s approach, which has been agreed by Member States, is that while no discussion is expected, the Spring European Council should agree conclusions on the procedure to be followed in considering the dossier over the coming months.
The Taoiseach will present the Irish presidency’s report on where matters stand in the Intergovernmental Conference. It is intended that this will be discussed over dinner on the first evening by the Heads of State and Government. It is the presidency’s intention to invite representatives of observers at the IGC, including the President of the European Parliament, to be present. On the basis of our report and following discussions at the dinner, it will then be for the European Council to decide how best to proceed, and in particular whether the time is ripe for the IGC to be re-convened.
I hope you will understand that it is not appropriate for me at this time to go into any detail on what that report will contain. We have still not definitively concluded our analysis of the situation. Consultations and contacts are ongoing. The Taoiseach owes it to his colleagues to present matters to them in a very direct manner. However, I would offer the following observations.
In keeping with our mandate from Brussels in December, the Irish presidency has consulted widely among participants in the IGC, including the European Parliament. The Taoiseach has spoken with all other members of the European Council. Intensive and detailed discussions have also taken place at ministerial and official levels. Partners have agreed with us in good faith and in a positive and constructive way. As a result, we have a deeper appreciation of the concerns of all involved. We also have a greater understanding of where scope for compromise and possible agreements might lie.
We have had very useful and detailed discussions with Parliament’s representatives Mr Hänsch and Mr Brok. They have made clear to us Parliament’s general approach to the IGC, and its priorities in the negotiations. We very much appreciated the constructive and frank way they have dealt with us. More generally, Parliament’s strong support for our efforts is greatly appreciated. In particular, you have tried to keep us and partners focused on the big picture, on the immense prize which adoption of the Constitution would represent, and on the very significant and considerable dangers for our Union which would flow from a continued stalemate."@en1
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