§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider it realistic for the European Convention to report to a European Union Summit in June 2003 and for the Intergovernmental Conference to reach decisions on the European constitution by the end of December 2003, in view of the complexity of the issues involved and the need to consult the accession states; and, if not, what timetable they would propose. [HL1998]
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§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanFollowing an exchange of views on progress of the discussions, the Copenhagen European Council concluded that the convention will present the result of its work in time for the European Council in June 2003. The timing of the next Intergovernmental Conference has not yet been confirmed.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they believe that the European Convention is giving sufficient weight to the need for subsidiarity and devolved decision-making, especially in an enlarged Union. [HL1999]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThere is widespread recognition in the convention of the importance of subsidiarity. Many endorse an early warning mechanism for national parliamentarians to monitor and enforce this principle more effectively.
Convention discussions broadly welcomed the ideas in the UK's paper to the convention on Europe and the Regions. Plenary discussions acknowledged the need for greater recognition of the role that many regions play in EL: affairs.
These ideas are well reflected in the draft treaty articles and the draft protocol on subsidiarity and proportionality.