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17 November 1999
Andrew Duff MEP's speech to the European Parliament on the IGC
This IGC is to be supported by two parallel processes. The brave new world of a European defence policy, and the redefinition of European citizenship as we draft the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
I hope that these separate but closely related processes will galvanise this IGC just as the work towards the single currency stimulated the Maastricht conference.
We certainly need stirring up. At present - despite the good work of the rapporteurs - the European Parliament's draft position is in danger of being more conservative than that of the Commission.
The European Liberal Group has tabled various well-tuned amendments that seek to give the Report a more radical focus on developing a parliamentary Europe.
First, we want to initiate a real process of informal conciliation between Parliament, Commission and Council as part of the preparation of the formal IGC.
Second, we want to change the Treaty revision procedure in those areas where competence has already been transferred or pooled at the European level. It is crazy to have to undergo this ponderous and protracted amendment procedure every time we want to reform a common policy. It is also wrong to exclude this Parliament from that process.
By lightening the Treaty revision procedure for political matters, we can entrench it for constitutional matters. This proposal should not only calm public fears of a continuing leeching of sovereignty but also excite more of a public response to EU politics on a day-to-day basis.
Third, we wish to give the citizen better access to the European Court of Justice so that he and she can enjoy the same privilege of litigation as the EU institutions, member states and commercial companies.
Fourth, we want us to take another look at the so-called flexibility clauses of Amsterdam so that they can in fact be deployed to allow certain member states to deepen their integration in certain areas without jeopardising the acquis communautaire.
All this radicalism is coupled not only by the entrenchment of the decision-making procedures, but also with the ability of a member state to leave the Union if it should choose to do so.
These are our main proposals, both conservative and radical.
I commend them to the House.
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Andrew's
work
in the European Parliament since 1999
Andrew is Vice-President of the European Parliament delegation to the Constitutional Convention on the Future of Europe.
Andrew drafted the Charter of Fundamental Rights which has strengthened the rights of all the citizens of the European Union.
Andrew is working for improved links between the EU and Turkey, to encourage improvements in Turkey's human rights record and to enhance its democracy.
Andrew's campaigning in the East of England
Andrew has led calls for the Air Travel industry to be subjected to the same rigorous environmental criteria as other modes of transport
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