Andrew Duff calls for a turning point on the Constitution
2.35.00pm GMT Mon 30th Oct 2006
Having been signed by all heads of government on 29 October 2004, the European Constitution was intended to come into force on 1 November 2006.
In a statement to mark the day, Andrew Duff MEP, (UK, Liberal Democrat) ALDE spokesman for constitutional affairs, said:
"It is important not to forget how good the Constitution is, and how necessary for Europe's future. Nobody should be complacent about the EU's capacity to act effectively at home and abroad without the Constitution in force. Post-national parliamentary democracy will remain stunted unless we can re-found the Union on a proper, modern constitutional basis.
"The first of November must be a turning point in the period of reflection imposed on the EU by the French and Dutch referendums. From now onwards, we need concerted analysis and debate about how the 2004 treaty is to be renegotiated.
"Member state governments and the EU institutions are right to continue to back the constitutional project. But we now have to improve the text, address the genuine disquiet of the citizen, and thereby democratise the consensus that lies behind the treaty.
"Both the European Parliament and European Commission have a duty to take up this task. The Council will not succeed in improving the 2004 Constitution without our active participation in the renegotiation."
ENDS/...
Editors' Note: Andrew Duff's Plan B: how to rescue the European Constitution is published by Notre Europe at www.notre-europe.eu .
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