Abstract

This article discusses the European Constitutional Convention and its ‘parliamentarian’ character, based on the author’s experience of participating in the process. It examines openness and democracy at the Convention, and the opportunities for stateless nations. It also examines the ‘European Free Alliance’ (EFA) approach to the Convention, namely, self-determination as a principle; support for the constitution but not a superstate; relations of Commission and Council; and subsidiarity and the ‘Regions’. Ten particular EFA points are discussed: ‘region’ or ‘nation’; reforming parliamentary representation – ‘digressive proportionality’; the Committee of the Regions – reform or abolish; rights to pre-legislative consultation; regional ministers in Council; access to the Court of Justice; subsidiarity criteria and mechanisms; connecting to COSAC; language rights; and territorial cohesion. How satisfactory is the Convention’s Draft Constitution from the point of view of stateless nations?

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.