Brussels, 13/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 12 May, the President of the European Commission responded to Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's proposal for a public debate on the kind of future Presidency of the European Council (rotating or stable: see EUROPE 8 May p 5). Romano Prodi rose to the challenge set by the President of the European Convention but believes that this debate should focus on the overall institutional framework and take place at the Convention.
Mr Prodi wrote that, "isolating this issue is in fact simple and effective media-wise but - allow me to highlight the risk o not doing justice to the very important work of the Convention that is being carried out. As you have indicated at the Convention, this would mean setting up a coherent institutional framework that preserves the current balance between the Union institutions". Mr Prodi added that, "It is therefore necessary to find solutions that are innovative and balanced. In this regard, I have called, since the beginning, for a debate without any preconceived positions where everyone is expected to be prepared to look into what constitutes the general interest of the Union. Therefore, no taboos but no myths either". In a formal response to the invitation by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the President of the Commission added, "I am quite willing to take pat in a public debate that explains our ideas to citizens on the way in which the Union's institutional system could be simpler, more efficient and more democratically accountable. And I'd like to say what Europe ought to do with its institutions. Europe is made up of diversities, Mr President, I admit that it would be impossible for me to chose a city other than Brussels for such a debate. We also have a symbolic agora available for a democratic and representative debate, which is constituted by the plenary assembly of the Convention of which you are President. We also have a public forum which we could request more than a simple guideline, as represented by the Convention Members. Subsequently, herein is the choice that I am able to put forward in response to your kind invitation".