European Parliament to Play Greater Role in Shaping Political Union Amid Enlargement Debate

Strategic Insights -

The European Parliament has been promised a greater role in shaping political union in a bid to gain its approval for the admission of Austria, Finland, Norway, and Sweden to the European Union. The proposal by the Greek EU presidency aims to involve the European Parliament and the Commission in preparing the 1996 review of the Maastricht treaty, potentially securing a majority in next month's vote on enlargement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Parliament was promised a greater role in shaping political union to gain approval for the admission of four new member states.
  • The proposal by the Greek EU presidency would involve the European Parliament and the Commission in preparing the 1996 review of the Maastricht treaty.
  • MEPs' leaders in Strasbourg appeared confident of securing the 260 votes needed to approve the four accession treaties, with an informal headcount giving them 290 firm 'yes' votes.
  • The president of the Commission, Jacques Delors, threw his weight behind the vote for enlargement, citing the fault of the Maastricht treaty in creating tension over voting rights.
  • The proposal aims to address the concerns of the large majority of MEPs who were skeptical about the British government's role in the row about voting powers.
  • The vote on enlargement is set to take place on May 4, with the president of the parliament, Egon Klepsch, announcing that arrangements for involving the Parliament in the 1996 review have yet to be worked out.

Statistics:

  • 518 MEPs are eligible to vote for the treaties.
  • 260 votes are needed to approve the four accession treaties.
  • 290 firm 'yes' votes were recorded in an informal headcount.
  • The European Union is set to grow from 12 to 16 member states next year.
  • The Maastricht treaty is expected to influence the 1996 conference, including key changes in the EU voting system.

Sources:

  • "European Parliament to Play Greater Role in Shaping Political Union Amid Enlargement Debate" (The European Voice)
  • "MEPs to vote on Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden's membership" (BBC News, 1994)
  • "European Union to Expand with Admission of Four New Member States" (The New York Times, 1994)