Brussels, 07/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - The leader of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul (France), said at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday 7 September that, in times of economic crisis, one can see that “there are, indeed, major shortcomings in the treaty”. A treaty is something that should be updated regularly, though not every day, he said. He argued that the current treaty should be applied and a list made “of what isn't working properly”. If there is agreement on change, then change should be made! Should the treaty be amended for the 17 eurozone states or for all 27 members, he wondered.
“If the treaties have to be revised so that things work better, I'd be the first to agree, but it's not by changing the treaty right away that the crisis will be resolved.” Daul does, however, accept the need for amendment of the treaty, even though this “might take some time”.
MEP Andrew Duff (ALDE, UK) suggested that a certain division between his country and the European Union was inevitable. He called for a review of the treaty which would create an intermediate category of EU country. According to Daul: “Those who want to leave Europe can do so under Article 10 of the treaty. Those who don't feel at ease within the EU or with regard to the Community method can leave”. There is no need for any change to the treaty for that, Daul stated. (L.C./transl.rt)