By Michelle Fitzpatrick - 10th May 2006
German MEPs have slammed José Manuel Barroso’s lukewarm support for any attempt to breathe life back into the EU constitution.
The European commission president’s proposals to plug the gap left by the wrecked constitution do not go far enough, German MEPs told German media.
In a keynote speech on Wednesday, Barroso made several suggestions to rebuild confidence in Europe but failed to declare warm support for the current draft text of the EU constitution.
The leader of the largest European parliament political group, German conservative Hans-Gert Poettering, accused Barroso of not showing enough commitment.
Poettering said that "concrete and positive results" were "the best way to convince people of the usefulness of Europe".
And although the current proposals were an "important contribution", Poettering warned "they were not, however, a substitute for the constitution".
German socialist MEP Jo Leinen, chairman of the constitutional affairs committee, argues Barroso’s pick and mix approach means the end of the current text.
"By picking single parts from the constitutional treaty, the commission effectively shelves it," he told Handelsblatt.
Leinen shares Poettering’s opinion that many EU projects can not serve as a replacement for the overarching European constitution.
Barroso's proposals included a declaration confirming European leaders’ commitment to Europe.
The signing of the declaration would take place during Germany’s stint as EU presidency in early 2007.
Another suggestion was the creation of a new entitlement card to the public, reminding them of their rights as EU citizens.
Barroso also proposed the transfer to the EU of a "large number" of decisions in police and judicial co-operation.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.