MEPs back "fruitful" EU reform treaty

MEPs have heralded the EU reform treaty as an example of the "fruitful"  result of co-operation between European and national parliaments.

EU leaders are expected to sign the controversial treaty at a summit in Lisbon on 13 December.

Speaking at the start of a two-day debate in parliament between MEPs and MPs, Spanish centre right deputy Inigo Mendez de Vigo described the document as a "substantial improvement" on the existing treaties, saying it will ensure more "democratic accountability."

"It will enhance the rights of European citizens and improve the effective functioning of the EU´s institutions," said the MEP, who helped draft the original constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005.

Another speaker, UK Tory MEP Edward McMillan-Scott,  who is responsible for relations with national parliaments, said, "Anticipating the increased role the treaty will give to national parliaments, the EPP group wants to develop a network of structured relations between MEPs and MPs.

"Together, they will debate political issues which will determine the future of Europe. I am convinced that our political family will be able to shape Europe's future with common sense and conviction.

"We are now focusing on forging ties with our national, regional and locally-elected partners," said McMillan-Scott, a vice president of parliament.

At today´s opening, the assembly´s president Hans-Gert Poettering and Jaime Gama, president of the Portuguese parliamentary assembly, chaired a plenary meeting.

The meeting, which concludes on Tuesday, will also be attended by Jose Socrates, Portuguse prime minister, and commission president Jose Manuel Barroso.

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