Period of reflection turning into extended siesta warns Rasmussen

10 May 2006
 
"The period of reflection should be a discussion not an extended siesta" said Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists. "It is no good pretending to be thinking about it, the European Commission should force the pace in a lively a debate on what to do about the European Constitution. I am happy that the Commission say they have an ambitious policy agenda, but President Barroso also has a duty to lead the search for a solution to the constitutional impasse."
 
"I congratulate Finland and Estonia for contributing to a more active period of reflection by pressing ahead with ratification. With 15 member states having already ratified the Constitution there is a much greater chance of achieving a better constitutional agreement than the current inadequate Treaty. It is a deeply regretable that the European Commission is not playing a more lively role."

Julian Scola, Press Officer, Party of European Socialists, mobile +32 486 117 394