| Author (Person) | Banks, Martin |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.8, No.21, 30.5.02, p7 |
| Publication Date | 30/05/2002 |
| Content Type | News |
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Date: 30/05/02 By Martin Banks EU INSTITUTIONAL reform chief Michel Barnier has denied that the European Commission's paper on the future of Europe is a blueprint for a 'superstate'. Barnier, the architect of the document along with Commission President Romano Prodi and justice and home affairs chief António Vitorino, declared: 'I want to stress one thing: contrary to what has been said, we are not proposing a superstate or an EU government.' One of two commissioners on Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's European Convention, Barnier was responding to widespread comments that the proposals, unveiled last week, are designed to eclipse EU governments. The Commission blueprint puts itself squarely at odds with the EU's bigger countries with an ambitious bid for extra powers over foreign policy, tax and economic and judicial affairs. Britain and France, in particular, are anxious to preserve most of the powers of the nation states. Speaking after last week's Convention meeting, the fourth held so far, Barnier told European Voice that, while some member states favoured inter-governmental cooperation, he preferred the 'Community method', based around the Commission and Parliament. But he stressed: 'I want to emphasise that these proposals do not set out to eclipse anyone. 'Yes, we want to see a stronger Commission, but we also want a strong Council of Ministers and Parliament as well. 'The one thing we are not looking for is an EU government or superstate.' Giscard said he welcomed the Commission document but pointed out it was only one of several important contributions which will be made before the body completes its task next year. UK Europe Minister Peter Hain told the Convention he was bemused by much of the EU decision-making process. He said: 'Like many of the people I represent, I struggle with the complexities of directives, regulations and decisions, without knowing which have direct effect when, and whether they involve co-decision or consultation. That is why we must make Europe easier to understand. Otherwise, how can it be legitimate? One way to do this would be to have fewer ways of legislating or cooperating. 'We need some regulation but not red tape that makes Europe a less attractive place to live in or to invest in,' he said. EU Commissioner for institutional reform, Michel Barnier, has denied that the European Commission's paper on the future of Europe is a blueprint for a 'superstate'. |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
