EUROPEAN CONVENTION: UK SEEKS TO RESTRICT SCOPE OF CONSTITUTIONAL PROJECT.

• Position: United Kingdom - Brief Article

A dual consensus emerged at the European Convention's plenary session on October 3 and 4 on providing the European Union with a single legal personality and on granting national parliaments a greater role in controlling the principle of subsidiarity. This was the first time Convention members were called to rule on concrete concepts though the political consequences and practical application procedures have still to be set in the future draft constitution. Recognition of the legal personality of the EU opens up a whole series of delicate questions such as the single representation of Europe on international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council and the integration of Euratom in the future Treaty, whereas acknowledgement of the role of national parliaments in the decision-making process leaves the Convention to settle the general organisation of powers within European Institutions and between the latter...