HL Deb 30 April 2001 vol 625 cc62-3WA
Lord Shore of Stepney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 13 March (WA 80), whether as a result of the Treaty of Nice a single state can no longer exercise a last resort veto at a meeting of the European Council on proposals for enhanced co-operation, provided that those proposals are backed by at least eight member states and fulfil the other conditions laid down in the Treaty. [HL1652]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Under the Treaty of Nice, the last resort veto on the use of enhanced co-operation in Pillars One and Three will be replaced by an appeal clause mechanism. This will allow a member state to seek discussion by the European Council of a proposal for enhanced co-operation before any decision is taken.

All proposals for enhanced co-operation must meet the rigorous conditions set out in the treaty. The Government believe the appeal clause mechanism provides the right balance between the interests of the member states and the benefits of greater flexibility in an enlarged EU.