Strasbourg, 14/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - As we mentioned, on Wednesday the European Parliament adopted a lengthy resolution in view of the Gothenburg Summit, following a debate which in fact revolved mainly around the Irish "no" to the Nice Treaty. Regarding the future of Europe, Parliament reaffirmed that, from early-2002, a Convention will have to draw up "constitutional proposals" to serve as basis for the work of the next IGC, and that the Intergovernmental Conference will have to be convened in the second half of 2002 and end work at the end of the same year. For Parliament, the Irish "no" once again proves that the method of amending the treaties needs a radically reform.
As for enlargement, the EP (which only adopted one amendment - tabled by the President of the Liberal Group, Pat Cox - urging Member States to vote through a majority over as short as possible transitional periods for the free movement of workers of the future Member States) invites the European Council (allusion to the "Spanish memorandum" on the structural funds) to ensure that, in enlargement negotiations, there is no "package" linking issues like free movement and the readjustment of the financial perspective.
The resolution places special emphasis on sustainable development, backing the strategy proposed in the Commission's document (see EUROPE of 17 May, p.7), and calls on the latter to add the subject of "sustainable provision of food" to the six fundamental subjects of the strategy, and to present concrete proposals regarding urbanism and space planning. In addition, the EP urges the Commission (as requested by the Socialist Group) to make a statement on economic and social cohesion in enlargement. According to Parliament, the Gothenburg Summit should adopt an action plan together with a timetable for sustainable development.
Regarding transatlantic relations, expecting the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol in discussions with President Bush, Parliament says it is concerned at the American missile defence project and urges the Council to make sure that any decision concerning the ABM Treaty (on limiting ballistic missile systems) be preceded by negotiations and dialogue.
Finally, Parliament: - urges the EU Council to play a driving role for peace in the Middle East and consider joint action with the United States; - urges the Commission to help the refugees and population of Macedonia affected by the conflict, and backs the work of Messrs. Solana and Patten.
*** *** ***