03/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - French MEP Patrick Louis (IND/DEM) said he was left “perplexed” by the announcement made by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in his speech/programme last week (see EUROPE 9489). Mr Sarkozy had said he wished to form a committee of wise men to reflect upon the future of Europe in the run up to 2030. “What is the true sense, aim or object of such a committee when the federal architecture has already been sealed by entrusting the new IGC with recycling the constitutional treaty, and the question of its eastern boundary has been resolved by the change of position on Turkey”, the French sovereignist asks. He nonetheless hopes that such an announcement is not aimed at “hiding circumvention of the 'no' to the European Constitution and the change of stance on Turkey's membership”. Patrick Louis suggests that the French president should ensure “pluralism” in the committee's composition, including “personalities who are sufficiently wise to be critical about certain directions taken by the European Union, that have led it to the current impasse”. (hb)