Commission President Romano Prodi wants more efficient EU in HS interview
Constitution should be approved in June at latest
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European Commission President Romano Prodi warns of paralysis in the European Union if reforms are not implemented in EU decision-making.
In an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, Prodi says that the Union, which grew by ten new members on Saturday, needs to agree on a constitution that allows more decisions to be made by qualified majority voting.
"A constitution would be needed even with just 15 member states. The number of member states is no longer the problem; The problem is in the rules. In any case we need new rules, and a systematic manner of action", Prodi said.
He feels that decision-making has been difficult already before Saturday’s enlargement, with each country trying to reap as much benefit as possible. For that reason, he urges all EU members to agree no later than June on new rules in the form of a constitution.
Under the existing draft constitution, member states would have to give up their right to veto decisions in many areas. The prospect of losing the right to block measures that are seen as disadvantageous to the national interest has sparked fear in the UK, and in a number of other EU countries.
In taxation issues, for instance, decision-making has bogged down because of the inability of member states to come to agreement.
Also many feel that an expanded EU is moving at an uneven pace on questions of defence, as not all member states necessarily want to go deep into defence cooperation. Prodi also believes that development will move in this direction.
"If centrifugal forces become more common, some of the member states will keep closer together. However, this is not necessary, even if Europe has always developed by way of the most advanced ideas", said Commission President Prodi at his office in Brussels.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 3.5.2004 - TODAY |
 Commission President Romano Prodi wants more efficient EU in HS interview |
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