EP report backs constitution’s ‘social dimension’

By Martin Banks

Date: 18/11/04

A REPORT discussed by MEPs in Strasbourg this week attempts to rubbish the notion that Europe's proposed constitution would weaken EU social policy and impose a more liberal vision of Europe.

The report, which forms the basis of the European Parliament's opinion on the treaty, says that, on the contrary, the text reinforces the Union's social dimension. It also aims to address other criticisms of the constitution which, it says, have been made "without foundation" and calls for "all possible efforts" to be used to inform citizens "clearly and objectively" about the constitutional treaty.

The report states: "The constitution will not lead to the creation of a centralized 'superstate' and it does not ignore the historical and spiritual roots of Europe by referring to its cultural, religious and humanist inheritance."

But the report, drafted by Socialist deputy Richard Corbett and centre-right member, Iñígo Méndez de Vigo, a senior member of the Convention which drew up the treaty, says that it is "regrettable" that the text did not include a simpler formula for calculating a qualified majority.

It also laments the failure to provide a "more effective" procedure for future revisions of the constitution.

But it concludes that the treaty represents a "good compromise" which will bring about "tangible benefits" for EU citizens.

Parliament will vote next month on the treaty. But the constitution will only enter into force when all member states have ratified it by parliamentary vote or referendum.

A 'No' vote from any member state would stop the constitution in its tracks.

Lithuania became the first to approve the treaty in a parliamentary vote last Thursday (11 November), while the first referendum is expected to take place in Spain in February next year. Many believe that the referendum in the UK may bring a negative result, while the outcomes of votes in France, Denmark and the Netherlands are also uncertain.

A European Parliament report drafted by MEPs Richard Corbett and Iñígo Méndez de Vigo counters the notion that Europe's proposed constitution would weaken EU social policy and impose a more liberal vision of Europe.