92000E0257

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0257/00

by Daniel Hannan (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 February 2000)

Subject: Intergovernmental Conference

Can the Commission list those areas where it would like to see an extension of qualified majority voting at the next Intergovernmental Conference?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(23 February 2000)

As it made clear in its Opinion adopted on 26 January 2000(1), the Commission believes that, apart from cases where the Council decides by simple majority, decision-making by qualified majority should be the general rule in the Council, and insistence on unanimity the exception. In Annex 1 to the Opinion the Commission listed the provisions of the EC Treaty that might remain subject to unanimity on the grounds that serious and lasting reasons justify departing from the general rule. Annex 2 to the Opinion lists the provisions of the EC Treaty which would then be subject to qualified majority voting in the Council.

(1) Adapting the institutions to make a success of enlargement. Commission Opinion in accordance with Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union on the calling of a Conference of Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to amend the Treaties COM(00) 34 final.