By Daisy Ayliffe - 26th September 2005
MEPs must find a solution to the “impasse” and “crisis of identity” facing the EU, European Parliament President Josep Borrell has said.
Addressing the challenges that lie ahead for the EU in Strasbourg on Monday night, Borrell called for renewed energy and determination.
“Some say we just need to improve the functioning of our markets and continue enlarging, but the problem is much more profound,” he said.
“The political spirit and the geographical dimension are obstructed - this parliament must contribute to getting out of the impasse.”
But Borrell added a ‘period of reflection’ following constitutional fall out in France and the Netherlands must not be allowed to become a political pause.
“We need a properly designed constitution that lets our institutions work efficiently,” he said.
“There is no plan 'B', but there is a plan 'D' - for democracy and debate, the essence of a parliament.”
Echoing European Commission President José Manuel Barroso’s appeal for the need to find resolution on the budget, Borrell urged the UK EU presidency to work on the issue and pressed member states to take a conciliatory approach.
“There is no point in the council agreeing something which cannot be taken on board by parliament. I urge the council to reach agreement during the UK presidency - afterwards it will become much more difficult,” he said.
Borrell said the EU must unite in the face of terrorism but warned against Islamophobia.
“Last year, our proceedings were thrown into gloom by news of hostage taking. Terrorist barbarism continues now, in London in July and daily in Iraq.,” he said.
“The threat of terrorism puts our societies to the test of facing up to it in full respect of our democratic values.”
Offering a formal welcome to Bulgarian and Romanian observers to the parliament, the parliament president said their presence provided a reminder that last year’s enlargement had been incomplete.
“We all expect them to accede as planned on January 1 2007. We and they will all work to make that a reality,” he declared.
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