§ Lord Shore of Stepneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What were their reasons for agreeing in the Nice Treaty to abolish the United Kingdom's last-resort veto in the European Council on proposals for enhanced co-operation in matters that come within the treaties establishing the European Communities and in provisions relating to the Third Pillar of the Treaty of European Union. [HL1374]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalIn an enlarged EU it is not reasonable for one member state to hold up all the others wishing to proceed with enhanced co-operation, provided that the rigorous conditions for enhanced co-operation have been met. These provide that enhanced co-operation is open to all and that the single market is protected; and will help ensure that there is no development of an inner core.
2WAIn addition, the appeal clause we secured allows a member state to seek discussions by the European Council of a proposal for enhanced co-operation before any decision is taken. This is the right balance between the interests of member states and the benefits of greater flexibility in an enlarged EU.