MINISTER FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS HIGHLIGHTS HOW EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION IMPROVES DEMOCRACY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for European Affairs, speaking today at the National Forum on Europe, welcomed the improvements contained in the European Constitution, to the existing law making procedures in the EU. 

Stating that it is not adequate to criticise the operation of EU law-making without also advancing improvements, he welcomed the simplification of procedures, which the EU Constitution brings about, as well as highlighting a series of measures which, taken together, he said, represent a significant step towards addressing the so called democratic deficit.

The five elements which he highlighted are:

„X A new role for national parliaments
„X An increased role for the European Parliament
„X European laws to be made in public
„X Strengthened dialogue, between the EU institutions, social partners, civil society and all of the churches; along with
„X The introduction of a citizens¡¦ petition system.