Est. 3min 12-07-2002 (updated: 07-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram The European Convention session on 11-12 July brought to light widely diverging views of whether foreign policy and defence should be developed at EU level or remain the competence of national governments. The Convention discussed the current legal basis for EU external action, the instruments available, and the responsibilities of each of the various actors involved. It examined the various possibilities of how to further develop the EU’s global role. The following areas were discussed by the Convention: Trade; Development co-operation; External relations; Common Foreign and Security Policy; European Security and Defence Policy; The EU in international organisations. The Convention Presidium has identified four main areas where Treaty changes might be necessary to improve EU external action: Ensuring coherence: This is necessary for the EU to be a credible and effective player on the international stage. The current system makes it difficult to ensure that the multiplicity of instruments are used harmoniously in pursuit of common objectives. Identifying common interests: The Member States should bolster mutual confidence and define common interests collectively. Promoting flexibility: The EU should be capable of responding promptly to international developments, drawing on the most appropriate resources. The current financial constraints on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the rule of unanimity restrict this capability. Ensuring a clearer Union voice: Although it might be clear in specific situations who is in practice the Union’s main interlocutor (the Presidency, the Commission, the High Representative), the overall situation is complicated for those outside the Union wanting to know who to address. The Convention also considered a motion for a decision on the preparation of a Constitutional Treaty, signed by 18 Convention members. The motion is calling for the following: The Convention should invite the Commission to prepare until October a draft Constitutional Treaty; A first draft should be discussed by the Convention at its meeting at the end of October; This draft should base itself on the proposals of the European University Institute, Florence and on the results of the Convention debates so far; The draft treaty should be divided in two parts (fundamental/non fundamental provisions). This motion was later withdrawn. The European University Institute in Florence has drafted a rewrite of the treaties at the invitation of the Commission. The Convention set up for new working groups at its session on 11-12 July, to deal with: internal security and justice; simplification of legislative procedures; external relations and representation of the EU abroad; defence and security policy. The Convention already has six working groups, dealing with: subsidiarity; Charter of Fundamental Rights; legal personality; national parliaments; complementary competences; economic governance. The working groups are expected to present their reports to the Convention in September and October, containing elements that could be introduced in the Basic or Constitutional Treaty that will be drafted by the Convention. Read more with Euractiv Commission presents controversial mid-term review of the Common Agricultural PolicyThe Commission presented its reform plans for the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on 10 July. With some radical changes but sticking to the fundamentals of the CAP, the Commission intends to bring the agricultural policy closer to its citizens. Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters Positions Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Institutional Reform, underlined that the EU remains insufficiently present in the world despite the positive role of the High Representative, Javier Solana, because its Member States "cannot overcome differences of strategy, will and political cu lture". He called on the Convention to consider what the EU should do in the area of foreign policy. Peter Hain, the British Minister for Europe, underlined that foreign policy must remain in the competence of the Member States. He said that the position of the High Representative should be reinforced, but should remain firmly under control of the Member States. Peter Glotz, the German Government representative to the Convention, called for an EU foreign policy. He said that the High Representative should be given the right to make proposals and chair the External Relations Council. Mr Glotz insisted that the High Representative's function should be integrated in the Commission. Gianfranco Fini, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister, proposed that the functions of the High Representative and of an external relations Commissioner should be merged, sharing the power with the Member States. He said that quality majority voting should be introduced in the EU decision-making on foreign policy, with an opt-out option for each Member State. Background In December 2001, EU leaders set up a Convention to prepare a reform of EU policies and institutions so that the Union can enlarge to new Member States. The Declaration of Laeken recognises that the EU's international impact falls short of the Union's potential, given its economic weight, its high degree of international integration and the resources at its disposal. Timeline At its September session, the Convention will discuss the simplification of legislative procedures. At its first session in October the Convention will discuss the issue of subsidiarity. The Convention President, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, pledged to table the draft proposal of a Constitutional Treaty between October and November 2002. His objective is to have the final proposal ready for the EU Summit in mid-2003. The Convention will be followed by an Intergovernmental Conference in 2003 or 2004 to decide on the revision of the treaties.
