Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-09-15-Speech-3-167"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2004-09-15"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Ratification of the Constitutional Treaty2
dcterms:Language	"fr"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20040915.7.3-167"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2004-09-15-Speech-3-1682
lpv:speaker	lp:Alain Lamassoure2
lpv:spokenAs	unknown; Union pour un Mouvement Populaire (2004-07-20--2009-07-13)3 substitute; AFCO (2004-07-22--2007-01-14)3 member; BUDG (2004-07-21--2007-01-14)3 member; EPP-ED (2004-07-20--2004-11-13)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, I am one of those who, within the Convention, were, along with you, the first to campaign for the future Constitution to be submitted for ratification by the people, and, if possible, on the same day. I am delighted to note that the decision to hold referendums is catching on. The problem with a referendum, however, is that while it is the most democratic process, it is also, by its nature, the most likely to be used for the wrong objective. In all the countries concerned, there is a risk that the European referendum will turn into a national plebiscite. Furthermore, given that the danger and the aim are identical everywhere, our governments have every interest in adopting a joint ratification strategy. Such a strategy must, to my mind, comprise at least three elements. Firstly, the question put to the public and the explanatory notes relating to it should be presented jointly. Secondly, there should be a timetable. In this respect, the best solution would be, as certain Members of this House have already stated, to hold referendums on the same date in all countries concerned. Thirdly, and I feel that this point is of particular importance, the issue of the final borders of the European Union must be set out clearly. This is a debate that neither Parliament, nor the Council, nor the Commission have thus far had the courage to hold. It is, furthermore, impossible to put the creation of a political Europe before the public without specifying what we mean by the word ‘Europe’ and without fixing the borders or at least the criteria for defining the borders. In several countries, including mine, the notion of belonging to a political Union without borders – the future composition of which would be left entirely to the good will of the governments of tomorrow – would be rejected by the vast majority. The Council must be aware of this when it comes to making its decision on Turkey."@en1

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