Hänsch urges ‘pragmatic’ approach for Convention

Date: 21/02/02

By Martin Banks

THE Convention considering Europe's future should adopt a pragmatic approach and not become obsessed with 'abstract' issues when it starts work next week, according to one of its key members.

German Socialist MEP Klaus Hänsch, who represents the European Parliament on the Convention's praesidium, says the body will fail if it is seen to be a 'talking shop' for debates on subjects such as federalism.

'This is a unique opportunity for us to shape the future of Europe but the one thing we must not do is become obsessed with abstract issues,' he said.

His comments are at odds with those made over the weekend by Pierre Moscovici, France's European affairs minister. In a TV interview, Moscovici, who will represent the French government on the Convention, called on its 105 members to push for a more federalist approach to the European Union.

The difference of opinion between the two clearly demonstrates that, even before it starts its work, battle lines are being drawn over which direction the Convention should take.

Hänsch told European Voice: 'Ordinary people are not particularly interested in things like federalism and this should not be the focus of the Convention's attention.

'I want us to take a pragmatic approach and discuss real, meaningful subjects, such as EU foreign policy, the role of the Commission and the distribution of power between member states and the EU. If this happens to result in a more federal Europe then so be it.' Added Hänsch: 'The important thing is that in 12 months the Convention produces a strong, coherent text which is supported, not necessarily by unanimity, but by a consensus of opinion.

'What I don't want to see, though, is it produce just a few amendments to the Nice Treaty. That is not enough.'

Of his own vision for Europe's future, Hänsch said: 'I don't want us to become a sort of USA of Europe. We have different people and different languages and must build a new Europe, one which is able to act on the world stage and guarantee the sovereignty of its people to decide their own future.'

The Convention starts work next Thursday (28 February) and is due to report back to EU leaders with its recommendations on 1 March, 2003.

The Convention considering Europe's future should adopt a pragmatic approach and not become obsessed with 'abstract' issues when it starts work, according to one of its key members, German Socialist MEP Klaus Hänsch.

http://www.europa.eu.int/futurum/index_en.htm http://www.europa.eu.int/futurum/index_en.htm

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