Press Release

08/03/2000: Study Days of the EPP-ED Group in Paris: Debate on IGC.

The third and final day of the Paris Study Days of the EPP-ED Group were consecrated to a debate on the Intergovernmental Conference under the Chairmanship of Carmen FRAGA, Vice Chairperson. Mr. Valery Giscard d'Estaing, former President of France and former MEP, set out in his speech the historic context of the current I.G.C. He believed that a failure of the I.G.C would indefinitely delay enlargement and the functioning of the European Institutions would be adversely affected. ( A separate text gives more detail of his remarks)

Jean-Luc Dehaene, former premier of Belgium and a member of the wisemen group on Commission reform, argued that the IGC agenda should be broader and this process has to lead to a genuine reform of the EU institutions. He also said that QMV should be extend to almost all fields of EU, otherwise, there is a risk of paralysis. Mr Dehan argued in favour of extending European Parliament powers.

Elmar Brok, MEP, representative of the E.P. for progress in the IGC, did not hide his pessimism for the IGC negotiations. He said that members of the Council of Ministers are keen to mqke great promising speeches in regard to QMV, but when it comes decision they are more reluctant. He predicted that if there is no broader QMV then reinforced co- operation will become inevitable. He pointed that the EU does not really need to extend its powers to more fields, but what is needed it's the simplification and clarification of the legislative process and the legislation in force.

George Dimitrakopoulos, MEP and EP's rapporteur on the IGC, stressed out the importance of three principals : a) a more effective democratic and transparent Union. b) a fair and just representation of all Member states in all EU institutions. c) clear distinction of powers and competencies of the EU Institutions.
He said the E.P. is seeking its place in the EU decision making process for all important matters.


For further information
Yannis Zografos - Telephone : +32 75 598189