Brussels, 06/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - Given the uncertainties surrounding the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and considering that legal security is essential, Graham Watson, who presides the Liberal and Democrat parliamentary group, takes the view that the EU must for now use the Nice Treaty, currently in force, as a base for appointing the new European Commission. It is therefore necessary to abide by the timetable and the provisions of this treaty, which stipulates that there should be fewer commissioners than member states, that is, 26 at most. Graham Watson takes the view that such an obligation is not a problem, as it will be easy to find a member state provisionally willing to give up having a commissioner in exchange for the post of High Representative for the CFSP. Early next winter, not only a Commission composed of 26 commissioners but also a high representative would be appointed. The latter will thus, once the Lisbon Treaty takes effect, become Vice-President of the Commission and at the same time President of the External Relations Council. Legal clarity would thus be respected - a treaty is in force and it must be applied. Mr Dehaene, EP rapporteur on institutional affairs, took a different direction on the subject of the Commission's renewal, but Mr Watson has the impression that he is beginning to change his mind on this point.
Speaking informally to a small group of journalists, Mr Watson confirmed, moreover, that he would be standing for the presidency of the European Parliament, specifying that he is aiming to thus open a broad debate on the role and workings of the institution. Gone is the time when the EP represented either a “retirement home” for political figures at the end of their career, or a first step in the direction of a national career. Today, one increasingly has a real “European career” in mind. According to its predictions, the 50% of the next Parliament will be composed of parliamentarians who already have a seat there. Mr Watson plans to float ideas with a view to reflection on the weight and workings of the European Parliament, which in his view is becoming the most important European institution. (F.R./transl.jl)