92002E3152

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3152/02

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(4 November 2002)

Subject: The European Union and the multinational nature of the Spanish state

The 1978 Spanish Constitution stipulates that the Spanish state is made up of nationalities and regions. If Spanish society and the country's institutions were to take a democratic decision, in accordance with constitutional rules, to adopt a constitution whereby Spain would be deemed to be a multinational state without detracting from its statehood the recognition of its internal diversity would be enhanced. Under the Treaties, would statehood of this kind be compatible with Spain's membership of the European Union?

Would the EU have to agree to a change in the structural organisation of a Member State along the lines described above?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2002)

It is for each Member State, in accordance with its national legal system, to organise and distribute powers within its own structures, bearing in mind the treaties. Article 203 of the EC Treaty provides that the Council shall consist of a representative of each Member State at ministerial level, authorised to commit the government of that Member State. The Honourable Member's attention is also drawn to the answer by the Commission to Oral Question H-0683/02 tabled by Ms Diez Gonzalez during question time at the October 2002(1) part-session of the European Parliament.

(1) Written answer of 22.10.2002.