92000E0172

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0172/00

by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Vital institutional importance of the year 1999 in the history of the European Community

From the institutional point of view, last year was the most breathtaking and decisive year in the history of the European Community since it was established in 1957.

Both as regards the serious institutional crisis it underwent, which forced the Commission to resign, and its new role as a leading player in international politics, the European Union experienced a major upheaval which should be studied by thinkers and researchers in the field of political science to draw conclusions and anticipate future developments that will need to be taken into account, especially in the institutional sphere.

In the light of the above, will the Commission encourage studies and debates between experts and academics in the field of Community institutional studies, so that conclusions can be drawn from an interpretation of the institutional crisis which the Community underwent last year?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(20 March 2000)

The European Commission promotes studies and encourages discussions between experts and researchers interested in the Union's political and institutional development. For example, in the context of the Jean Monnet project it supports teaching and research into Union affairs, including questions concerning its political-institutional system.

In the run-up to the 2000 Intergovernmental Conference on institutional reform, the Commission has asked the European University Institute in Florence to look into the possibilities and procedures for reorganising the Treaties. The findings of this study will be presented to the Heads of State and Government at the European Council in June.

In the context of the European Community Studies Association network the Commission supports and organises exchanges of and discussions by research specialists on Union matters and European policies.

The Commission is also engaged in a major project on governance in the Union for which it plans to co-opt the assistance of outside partners. It also encourages discussion and studies in research institutes and public and private think-tanks.