04/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - The EU Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce published a statement on Monday by American companies in Europe on the draft articles of the future Constitutional treaty so far discussed by the European Convention. The American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium places special emphasis on: - a clear distinction between competences of the EU and Member States, and legislative proposals always clarifying the reasons for which a determined legal basis was chosen. To ensure the respect of subsidiarity and proportionality, there needs to be adequate and regular consultation of all those concerned; - greater role for the European Commission as "Guardian of the Treaty", so that Member States comply with their obligations; - the introduction of a chapter on "Transparency and consultation" in the future Constitution. The companies "are keen to operate in a legal environment which is characterised by legal certainty", comments Marc Taquet-Graziani, Chair of the Institutional Affairs Subcommittee of the EU Committee. (The contribution may be found at: http: //http://www.eucommittee.be/ ).