Press Release

20/02/2008

The Treaty of Lisbon gives Europe the tools to carry out reforms. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group

"The Treaty of Lisbon, which we hope to see ratified before the end of the year, will give Europe the means to secure deep reforms. It will also give more rights to citizens and national parliaments", said the Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul MEP, speaking in the plenary session in Strasbourg on the Méndez de Vigo/Corbett Report on the European Treaty.

"Five countries to date have ratified the Treaty, including France, one of the two countries who had said 'no'. Poland is preparing to do the same. For the EPP Members of my Group, this Treaty is important because it will re-launch European dynamism, after years of institutional debate", said Joseph Daul.

Reviewing the new content of the Treaty - extension of the powers of the European Parliament, right of "yellow cards" for national parliaments, broadening of the subjects determined by a qualified majority in the Council of Ministers, right of citizens' initiative, protection of the rights of all by the Charter of Fundamental Rights - the Chairman of the most influential Group in the European Parliament, with 288 Members from the 27 Member States, summarised thus: "The Treaty of Lisbon signals the return of politics to Europe".

Finally, in the field of foreign affairs, Joseph Daul stressed that Europe should no longer only be regarded as "the donor", referring to its position in the first place globally in terms of humanitarian aid, but that it should "use its full political weight" in the Middle-East in particular.

"With the Treaty of Lisbon, Europe can initiate deep reforms in areas strategically important for the future such as the climate, energy or migratory flows. On these issues, a Europe of 27 together, is more effective than 27 separate approaches."

(Translation from the original French)

For further information:
Joseph Daul MEP, Tel: +33-3-88175525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.