Paris, 3 June 2002.- In the course of the coming week, the WEU Assembly is to adopt a report, submitted by former Belgian Prime Minister Mark Eyskens, representing the Assembly’s contribution to the discussion in the European Convention of the role of national parliaments in the future institutional architecture of the European Union, and more specifically the ESDP. The Rapporteur also reminds us that common defence should be regarded as a vital element in any future process for building Europe. He proposes the creation of a body, representative of national parliaments at European level, that might ultimately, and under certain circumstances, replace the WEU Assembly and COSAC. 
 
He stresses the need for the European institutions in future to comply with the principle of the separation of powers. As far as ESDP is concerned, the EU Council exercises its competences without parliamentary oversight at European level. Moreover, in the “communitised” areas, the Council holds both legislative and executive powers. 
 
To remedy these difficulties and enable governments within the Council the better to concentrate on their decision-making and executive functions, the report advocates that the Council should no longer retain legislative responsibilities. 
 
Legislative power would become the province of two parliamentary bodies operating within a bicameral system: the European Parliament, acting as a “first chamber”, and a body composed of elected representatives of the member states, which would ultimately become the “second chamber”. This body would operate in the intergovernmental sphere or those where shared competence applies such as the CFSP, the ESDP or judicial cooperation and would also monitor compliance with the principle of subsidiarity. 
 
The new Assembly would have a right of oversight in the abovementioned areas. 
 
Insertion of Article V of the modified Brussels Treaty in the Treaty of European Union would make it possible for the second chamber to take over the functions of the WEU Assembly and COSAC in a framework fully integrated into EU structures. 
 
To attend the debate on this report, please contact the WEU Assembly Press Office (00 33 1 53672200).  The report is now available on-line, via the Internet, where it can be consulted and downloaded from the following web address: 1778.php.