EU reform treaty 'open to confusion'

A leading Europhile has cast doubt on the viability of a key clause in the controversial EU reform treaty.

UK socialist deputy Richard Corbett was speaking in parliament on Monday at a joint parliamentary hearing on the treaty between MEPs and national parliamentarians.

Corbett, a constitutional expert, said there was "huge potential for conflict" between the proposed president of the European council and that of president of the European commission.

"We could see the occupant of one not wanting to trespass on the responsibilities of the other.”This situation could be a cause for real confusion.”

Corbett is a well known Europhile and strong supporter of the treaty which he described as "not perfect but a major advance in parliamentary democracy.

The treaty, set to be signed by EU leaders later this month, proposes the creation of a president of the European council, replacing the current system of six month rotating presidencies.

The job would be on a two and a half year fixed term and would involved chairing EU meetings with the aim of creating a more efficient decision making process.

It is supposed to give the EU a figurehead on the world stage, although national leaders insist the key decisions will continue to be made with them.

Tony Blair, currently envoy in the Middle East, has been widely touted for the post, dubbed "president of Europe."

Corbett's comments were echoed by Danish eurosceptic MEP Jens Peter Bonde who said, "It will be a big battle, be it between Blair and Barroso, or whoever, and will never work. There will be a permanent competition over who should take the initiative between the commission president and the president of the European council."

He warned that the proposal contained in the treaty would lead to "confusion", particularly over foreign policy issues.
The job will not be on offer unless the treaty is ratified by all 27 member states.

Meanwhile, German socialist MEP Joe Leinen said the treaty represents "clear progress" compared to the current situation.

"Europe is moving forward, becoming more effective, transparent and democratic," he said.

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