Early Saturday morning, a successful Chancellor Angela Merkel announced to the press that a deal to move on with the European Union's reform was reached after the constitutional process was rejected two years ago.

This should lead to a reform to make the EU more efficient in the coming years. The next step is the ratification of the Reform Treaty.

Because of last weekend's discussion, Malta will be allocated the sixth representative in the European Parliament, will keep the same number of votes at the EU Council and managed to obtain the technical definition of island member state, which will make a difference when the EU allocates its funding.

The final text will now have to be agreed to by a new inter-governmental conference which should be convened under the Portuguese Presidency this coming July.

The main points of the future treaty are:

The treaty will be called Reform Treaty instead of Constitution.

The EU Charter Of Fundamental Rights will only be referred to in the treaty rather than be copied in full.

From 2014, the European Commission will no longer be made up of a representative from each state but from a rotation representation made of two-thirds of the countries. The rotation will occur every five years

A post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Social Policy will be created.

A new post of President of the Council for a two-and-a-half-year period will replace the six-month rotation system.

The treaty guidelines include a "qualified majority voting system". For decisions to be taken, they would need 55 per cent of member states representing 65 per cent of the EU's population.

The commitment by the German Presidency, led by Chancellor Merkel, has ensured that the European Union can successfully rise to the internal and external challenges it faces.

This success comes also thanks to the close cooperation with the upcoming presidencies of Portugal and Slovenia.

Germany, together with Portugal and Slovenia, submitted a joint programme for the coming 18 months, drawn up in accordance with the rules of procedure to the General Affairs Council in December 2006.

The aim of this cooperation is to enhance the continuity of the Council's work and to make the initiatives dealt with in the Council more sustainable.

The central issues of the programme are the continuation of the EU's reform, which led to the agreement on the Reform Treaty, implementation of the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Employment, as well as further progress towards the completion of the European area of freedom, security and justice.

Europe can remain strong only if people feel they have a real future. Many ask themselves what benefits Europe brings them personally in terms of security and prosperity; they wonder if there is simply too much bureaucracy. With the ratification of this treaty, the European Union would regenerate itself and refresh its structures with the aim of becoming more effective and competitive in the global scenario while at the same time remain close to its citizens.

The statement released by European Parliament president Hans-Gert Pöttering encapsulates in brief the meaning of the agreement reached: "The new Treaty will reinforce significantly the European Parliament and thereby enhance democracy in the European Union. Despite all the difficulties, the European Union has proved its political will to face together the challenges of the future".

With a timetable that must be respected, starting with the intergovernmental conference in the first month of the Portuguese Presidency, drafting the new treaty before the end of 2007 and following that up with the ratification by all member states, the new treaty can enter into force before the European Parliament elections in 2009.

The ratification of the Reform Treaty will put the European Union in a better position to play a full role in a globalised world, promoting its values and using its full weight in modern politics.

Grasping this opportunity and uniting in a constructive spirit will make the European Union and its citizens stronger world players.

Institutional reform was not the only item on the Council's agenda. Leaders welcomed Cyprus and Malta to the eurozone, thereby paving the way for the enlargement of the euro area to 15 member states as from January 1, 2008.

This proves the vision of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is a successful one. Once again, he proved himself a leader with a foresight that can ensure success not only for the country but also most importantly for the citizens. A 21st century leader who is guiding our country as it faces modern challenges. This is being done with admirable skill and care for all sectors of our society.

We want a guarantee that this country will have the brightest future possible not just for us but also for our children.

The Nationalist Party is the only party that can guarantee equal opportunities to all without any form of prejudice or discrimination.

Everybody can see the fruits we are reaping through our accession to the EU. Together we can become the success story Dr Gonzi envisions. With the Nationalist Party policy for economic growth and our participation in EU affairs, we have a guarantee of being successful.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.

david.casa@europarl.europa.eu, www.davidcasa.eu

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