EU needs to draft a broader roadmap

EU leaders are meeting on June 22 when the primary issue for discussion is a roadmap to extricate the EU from the constitutional difficulties it faces at present.

The reality is that the EU needs to simplify and streamline decision-making procedures within its different institutions.

The Nice Treaty does not fulfil this objective as it only provides for structures comprising 27 countries.

For example, as long as the EU does not have a new treaty, Croatia cannot join the union, even though it is in a strong position to do so.

But we do need a simplified treaty which will make the EU more effective and more responsive to the political needs of Europeans.

EU leaders have had ample time to reflect on the provisions which must be included in any new EU treaty arrangement.

We need a treaty that will clearly reflect the specific policy concerns of the people of Europe.

We need a treaty that will map out once and for all how the EU will develop over the coming decades.

We need a treaty that will ensure the interests of all member states — large and small — are protected within the union.

We also need to guarantee that the EU will continue to promote linguistic and cultural diversity at all times.

Seán Ó Neachtain MEP

An Spidéal

Co na Gaillimhe.