COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS: BELGIAN PRESIDENCY JOINS PLENARY SESSION.

The Committee of the Regions obviously expects a lot from a federal country like Belgium, particularly at a crucial time when talks are proliferating on the future of Europe and its institutional system, in the countdown to the next EU Summit, in Laeken. "Belgium knows how to deal with the regions. I am sure that the Belgian Presidency of the Council will turn out to be ardent and skilful defender of regional interests", said the Committee President, Jos Chabert. The Belgian State Secretary said that "As a federal Government we are sensitive to the opinions of the regions." However, the Committee did not receive any clear, categorical undertakings about the Committee's involvement in revising the Treaty, nor did the Belgian official say much about likely trends in the debates on its institutional future. As for the role of the regions in the decision-making process, Annemie Neyts was quite certain that this was a domestic concern for each Member State, so there is no question of the EU laying down any rules in this area. Similarly, she said "the regions should not look to the EU to replace their national governments and award them more power. This is the responsibility of the Member States". Although "well aware" of the Committee's aim of gaining more power, Ms Neyts was careful to point out that such extra powers had to be approved by the 15 Member States.One of the themes considered, the question of the constitutional regions (which have legislative powers) provided an opportunity to review the continuing problems in their relationship with the Committee. These regions (which are coming out with endless ad hoc initiatives - see European Report 2596), are quite open about their dissatisfaction with the Committee's present composition and role, and the few opportunities it provides to exert an influence on the decision-making process. "We have a kind of problem with the regions enjoying legislative powers"...