Paris, 14/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - The debate organised by the European Movement/France on Saturday between civil society and French members of the European Convention proved that the public was increasingly interested in EU reform. The main room (seating for a thousand) was not big enough and adjoining rooms for listening were also used.
The different aspects of the Convention's work were discussed and a notable scepticism, as well as a certain disappointment was noticeable on the part of representatives from civil society (Mr Giuliani, President of the Robert Schuman Foundation, Mr de Foucauld, President of the "Crossroads for a Civic and Social Europe", Mr Herzog, President of Confrontations, Ms Idrac, Chairwoman of the European Movement/France etc.). Convention Members expressed their optimism and determination to help the work in Brussels progress. Convention Members from the national Parliament (Mr Lequiller from that national Assembly, Mr Haenel for the Senate), (Mr Moscovici from the government) and Ms Pervenche-Berès and Mr Lamassoure etc. from the European Parliament) supported positions for reforms that would strengthen the effectiveness of the EU and its institutions. Commissioner Pascal Lamy had certain misgivings about the Convention's willingness to accept certain guidelines form the European Commission. Representatives from civil society welcomed the first hand information that was obtained and criticised the national authorities for lagging behind the general public, as well as expressing the demand for information that was of a permanent nature and greater transparency of Convention debates. In closing the debates, Nöelle Lenoir, Minister delegate for European Affairs, declared that France supported the strengthening of the European Commission, and stressed the urgent need to reinforce its independence and effectiveness in order for it to play the role of protector of the general European interest, a conclusion supported by almost all participants.