Leaders discuss revival of constitutional treaty

EU leaders started discussing how to revive the moribund constitutional treaty, yesterday, a year after it was dealt a near-fatal blow by the French and Dutch electorates.

Meeting during a two-day summit in Brussels, the 25 heads of state were locked last night in intense discussions over how to proceed on this crucial issue before expanding the Union further.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, representing Malta during the summit told the Maltese press that Malta prefers the ratification process on the constitution to continue although all options should remain open.

"We want to construct a future where the EU can keep functioning well with efficient structures. This is our aim and this is what Europe should aim for."

Before arriving at the formal talks, Dr Gonzi participated in a meeting of party leaders from the European People's Party at the Castle of Bouchout, outside Brussels.

At the end of the summit, this afternoon, EU leaders are expected to formally announce an extension of the current period of reflection, by at least a year. Sources told The Times that there is a broad consensus among many member states that the EU will need to come up with a new blueprint, under a new name, by the beginning of 2009.

"Some member states including Britain, France and the Netherlands are calling for the constitution to be given a new name and new packaging, concentrating on updating the workings of the EU institutions.

"At the same time others, including Germany, Italy and Spain want the final treaty to be as close as possible to the current original text."

Malta's position favours the latter option.

Dr Gonzi said Malta is insisting that the process of ratification should carry on and if a new treaty is drawn up, it should include all the positive aspects agreed between the 25 member states during the inter-governmental conference which took place before the constitutional text was agreed. The issue of migration is also being dealt with during these two days.

Malta is insisting that EU leaders issue a strongly-worded final communiqué opening the way for fast-track interventions by the EU to help countries like Malta facing sudden influxes of illegal immigrants.

Draft summit conclusions seen yesterday by The Times appear to be in line with Malta's aspirations.

EU leaders are expected to welcome the concrete cooperation measures by the Commission, its Border Control Agency, Frontex and some member states in the wake of recent events in the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.

It calls for enhanced efforts on improved maritime operational cooperation with a view to develop adequate surveillance at the sea borders as well as on the establishment of Rapid Border Intervention Teams. EU leaders are also expected to underline the priority of strenghtening cooperation on migration with African and neighbouring countries and call for a balanced dialogue on migration with African states, regional organisations and the African Union through a pan-African conference on migration and development.

EU leaders will today also tackle further enlargement and the EU capacity to integrate more members.