Theme of the day of 13 December 2006

The European Parliament debates today a report of Finnish MEP Alexander Stubb on The institutional aspects of the European Union's capacity to integrate new Member States. The European Union is trying to examine its capacity to integrate new Member States. Mr Stubb's report is one of three major documents on the subject. The Commission issued its report on Wednesday 8 November. The European Council in December will discuss "all aspects of enlargement, including the Union's capacity to absorb new Member States".

Mr Stubb fundamentally dislikes the term "absorption capacity", as it has negative connotations, whereas integration capacity is a positive concept He believes there is no useful link to be made between integration capacity and the issue of defining Europe's geographical borders. The EU must be capable of explaining why enlargement is a good thing.

In a press conference at 14.00 today, held together with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, Elmar Brok MEP (Germany), Mr Stubb will discuss the content and conclusions of his report.

Report on the institutional aspects of the European Union's capacity to integrate new Member States

European Commission: EU Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2006 – 2007

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