Brussels, 10/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Monday evening, the EP committee on constitutional affairs gave its go-ahead to the mandate of the intergovernmental conference (IGC) on reform of the treaties. The report by Jo Leinen (PES, Germany), to be put to the plenary vote on Wednesday, was approved by 18 votes for, 4 against and one abstention. It expresses some reservation about the negotiating brief approved by the European Council on 23 June, but welcomes the fact that most of the innovative elements of the Constitutional Treaty will be included in the new treaty. The EP committee also gives a positive opinion on the addition of new provisions regarding energy solidarity and the fight against climate change. It welcomes the introduction in a future treaty of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) as an “objective” of the EU. The report goes on to announce that the EP hopes to play an “active role”, not only during, but also after, the negotiations. Thus, once informed by its three representatives (Elmar Brok, Enrique Baron Crespo and Andrew Duff), it will, where necessary, put forward proposals on specific subjects in the context of the mandate. After the 2009 elections, according to the text of the EP committee, the Parliament will issue new proposals on a constitutional agreement aimed at improving the way the EU works. The parliamentary committee also stresses the intention of the EP to ensure full transparency of the work of the IGC. Thus, the EP intends to publish all IGC working papers. It will, moreover, pursue open dialogue with the national parliaments and civil society throughout the IGC and the ensuing ratification process. (hb)