We refer to the composition and mode of operation of the European Parliament and European Commission, and the fact that these institutions, which would be required to represent the interests of the citizens of a future federal eurozone, today include countries that have absolutely no intention of joining the single currency or of agreeing to any transfer of sovereignty.
Yesterday, European Central Bank board member Joerg Asmussen explained, “the ESM is a fiscal authority by definition, because it deals with taxpayers’ money,” adding that it would have to be put under the scrutiny of the European Parliament - or a subdivision of it pooling MEPs from eurozone countries only”.(http://euobserver.com/19/116999). It is a good start. Similar considerations were put forward by the former German Chancellor Gerard Schroder, a few weeks ago.
No news or political initiatives are coming in this direction from the MEPs, particualrly from the ones elected in the eurozone countries, How do they think the democratic legitimacy can be solved at the European level when fiscal, budgetary and economic issues are at stake for 17 countires on 27? They should remember that in 1994 the European Parliament adopted the so called Herman Report (Resolution on the Constitution of the European Union, 10 February 1994, http://www.cvce.eu/viewer/-/content/6b3f12d2-3309-4e04-8084-41d227432996/en), in which it was foreseen:
Article 46: Final provisions
Member States which so desire may adopt among themselves provisions enabling them to advance further and more quickly towards European integration, provided that this process remains open at all times to any Member State wishing to join it and that the provisions adopted remain compatible with the objectives of the Union and the principles of its Constitution.
In particular, with regard to matters coming under Titles V and VI of the Treaty on European Union, they may adopt other provisions which are binding only on themselves.
Members of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission from the other Member States shall abstain during discussions and votes on decisions adopted under these provisions (italics mine).
Article 47: Entry into force
The Constitution shall be considered adopted and shall come into force when it has been ratified by a majority of Member States representing four-fifths of the total population (art. 82 of the Spinelli Draft Treaty establishing the European Union foresaw in 1984 a two-thirds of the total population, e. n.). Member States which have not been able to deposit the instruments of ratification within the time limit established shall be obliged to choose between leaving the Union and remaining within the Union on the new basis”.
Eurozone’s MEPs, wake up!
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