MPs call for definition of reflection period

Maltese MPs from the two main political parties yesterday agreed that the current "reflection period" on the EU Constitution should be defined.

While taking part in a conference in Brussels between the European Parliament and representatives of the national parliaments, Nationalist MP Clyde Puli and Labour Party EU spokesman George Vella told their respective political groups that although this reflection period is necessary, it should be limited in order to give a clear direction to EU citizens.

Speaking to The Times, Dr Vella said that although it is understandable that following the negative referenda in France and the Netherlands, the EU needed time to plan ahead, the "reflection period" should not go on indefinitely.

"We need to set a time frame in order to get on with the process. The Maltese Parliament last year decided unanimously in favour of an EU constitution and in other spheres we are trying to take all the necessary steps to come in line with EU rules.

"We now need our electorates to know what is going to happen on the future of Europe and that is why there is the need to set some kind of timing to round up this debate and move on".

Dr Vella said that the Constitution has two protocols which give further importance to the role of national parliaments in the construction of Europe. He suggested that these should be adopted immediately by the Commission without waiting for ratification by the 25 member states.

Mr Puli agreed that the reflection process should be concluded as soon as possible. Ways should be found to unblock the current stalemate, he said, expressing the hope that the next EU council meeting in June will achieve concrete results on the construction of the future of Europe.

The two-day conference, organised by the Austrian presidency and the European Parliament, is bringing together representatives of 29 national parliaments, including those of candidate countries and members of the European Parliament.

Participants are debating what role the EU should be playing in the future, including its role in the world, globalisation and the European social and economic model, the prospects for the area of freedom, security and justice and the future financial resources of the EU.

Today the conference is going to be addressed by the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso and by the current president of the EU, Austria's Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel.