Enrique BARON CRESPO, EP President, adresses the press on the coming start of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on Political Union. The press briefing followed the opening preparatory meeting, bringing together all of the community institutions to pave the way for the Intergovernmental Conference. Foreign ministers of the 12, the president and members of the European Commission and an all party delegation from the European Parliament met together in an initial attempt to agree ground rules and guidelines for the conference.

press conference

BARÓN CRESPO, Enrique (PSE, ES)

Press conference by Enrique BARON CRESPO, EP President on the lauch of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on Political Union

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/16547339/EP102622_11Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

Views of the opening preparatory meeting, bringing together all of the community institutions to pave the way for the Intergovernmental Conference. Foreign ministers of the 12, the president and members of the European Commission and an all party delegation from the European Parliament met together in an initial attempt to agree ground rules and guidelines for the conference.

Soundbite (Spanish) Enrique BARON CRESPO, EP President, As regards today's meeting, I think it was an excellent meeting in terms of the results it produced. We said that the meeting would last until 1:00. In fact, it lasted until 2:00. In other words, there were four hours of debate.

Soundbite (Spanish) Enrique BARON CRESPO, EP President, The initial round with a statement made by myself as president of parliament, president of the council, there was also a statement made on behalf of the commission, and we went then around all the governments of the community. There was a very free exchange. In an extremely positive spirit, everyone participated. And there was a practical and open debate.

Soundbite (Spanish) Enrique BARON CRESPO, EP President, I think all would agree that the meeting was useful, meaningful and purposeful. And we know also that ministers need to present a draught for June. They're working on this at the end of this week, I, however, found it a little difficult to remember whether the people speaking were ministers or m.p.'s, because occasionally the views expressed on such important things as economic and monetary union, political union, a balance between the institutions, the various principles of subsidiarity, the global principle were shared really across the board.

Soundbite (Spanish) Enrique BARON CRESPO, EP President, And indeed, when looking to the future, I have to confess that I was very surprised by what was said on behalf of the presidency of the council. The president of Council made it clear to me that he was willing to remain in touch to continue work in the future.

Soundbite (Spanish) Enrique BARON CRESPO, EP President, Parliament, I think, you know, will have some significant reports. Colombo, Giscard d'Estaing for July and we shall have to see what happens to those reports. But I believe that it's very useful for the Council perhaps to provide an invitation next time round. It was our turn to extend the invitation now. Thank you.