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10 May 2004
MADRID – Spain is negotiating a new European Constitution based on the “double legitimacy” of a majority of states, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Monday.
Speaking at a conference in Madrid, Miguel Angel Moratinos said the new voting system will be based on the “double legitimacy” of a majority of states and two-thirds of the population.
Moratinos is confident the new model will be included in the Constitution, and that “all Spaniards can rest assured their interests will be defended effectively”.
In his opinion, it does not boil down to having special influence or voting power, but a guarantee for European governments to be at the forefront of decision-making.
He added that the idea of a Europe for and by the citizens was put forward by Felipe González in 1992 as a basis for the development of social policy.
He also defended the need to “take a quantum leap” in foreign policy, in view of recent developments, that demands a clear political willingness.
Moratinos recognised the breakthrough creation of the European ministry of Foreign Affairs, which in future will combine the “double competence” led by Javier Solana and Chris Patten, Foreign Relations Commissioner.
At the conference, Moratinos also stressed the importance of voting at the EU Parliamentary elections on 13 June, to overcome the traditional “democratic deficit” of which the European Union is often accused.
[Copyright EFE with Expatica]
Subject: Spanish news
10 May 2004
MADRID – Spain is negotiating a new European Constitution based on the “double legitimacy” of a majority of states, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Monday.
Speaking at a conference in Madrid, Miguel Angel Moratinos said the new voting system will be based on the “double legitimacy” of a majority of states and two-thirds of the population.
Moratinos is confident the new model will be included in the Constitution, and that “all Spaniards can rest assured their interests will be defended effectively”.
In his opinion, it does not boil down to having special influence or voting power, but a guarantee for European governments to be at the forefront of decision-making.
He added that the idea of a Europe for and by the citizens was put forward by Felipe González in 1992 as a basis for the development of social policy.
He also defended the need to “take a quantum leap” in foreign policy, in view of recent developments, that demands a clear political willingness.
Moratinos recognised the breakthrough creation of the European ministry of Foreign Affairs, which in future will combine the “double competence” led by Javier Solana and Chris Patten, Foreign Relations Commissioner.
At the conference, Moratinos also stressed the importance of voting at the EU Parliamentary elections next 13 June, to overcome the traditional “democratic deficit” of which the European Union is often accused.
[Copyright EFE with Expatica]
Subject: Spanish news