| Author (Person) | Banks, Martin |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.7, No.45, 6.12.01, p3 |
| Publication Date | 06/12/2001 |
| Content Type | News |
|
Date: 06/12/01 By SPECULATION is mounting on who will get the top job on the Convention that will help shape Europe's future. The Convention will have the key task of considering the reform of the European Union treaties and suggesting ways of making EU institutions more democratic. A decision on who will chair the body is expected to be one of the most contentious issues at next week's Laeken summit. Several leading figures have been tipped for the post, with former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing an early front runner. His candidature, however, is likely to be rejected by the British. Italy is insisting that its former prime minister Giuliano Amato should get the post. Other names mentioned include Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok, former European Commission President Jacques Delors and ex-Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari. A final decision will be taken by the 15 EU leaders meeting at Laeken on 14-15 December. Along with the chairman, the Convention will be composed of 15 representatives of EU governments (one for each member state); 30 members of national parliaments (two for each member state); 16 MEPs and one European Commission representative. The Convention's key, day-to-day work, however, will be overseen by a presidium, made up of the Convention chairman and four others. The choice of its members is also likely to be a sensitive issue facing EU leaders at Laeken. The decision on who will chair the Convention that will help shape Europe's future is due to be taken at the European Council, Laeken, 14-15 December 2001. |
|
| Related Links |
|
| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
