Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-09-04-Speech-2-068"
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"en.20010904.3.2-068"2
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"Mr President, the enlargement of the European Union is an irreversible process. We must be quite clear about this. The conclusions of the Göteborg Summit of EU leaders with regard to the enlargement negotiations and the accession process stated that the road map should make it possible for those countries that are ready to complete negotiations by the end of 2002. I am confident that, under the Belgian Presidency of the European Union, extensive progress will be made with regard to the enlargement negotiations. Key chapters of discussions which it was said will be opened during the Belgian presidency include competition policy, transport, energy, taxation, customs union, veterinary and hygiene aspects of agriculture, fisheries, justice and home affairs, and financial control.
The aim of concluding the enlargement negotiations with the more advanced countries by the end of 2002 is an achievable objective. The leading candidates are provisionally closing chapters at an impressive rate and the leading candidate country, Cyprus, now has 23 chapters concluded. But it is equally important that the European Union and the applicant countries get down to negotiating the more difficult chapters of talks, which to date have remained closed. It is in the interests of all contracting parties that the bottom line issues that remain outstanding are debated, resolved and finalised. We must all continue to play an active and constructive role in the enlargement process.
The enlargement of the Union is an economic and political opportunity for Europe. The expansion of the single market should be of real and tangible interest to European exporters and to indigenous European companies seeking investment abroad. On a continental level, the enlargement of the European Union will contribute to further stability. An enlarged Union will be able to play a more positive and influential role internationally, both politically and economically. It will help to consolidate democratic and civil structures in eastern and central Europe. It will contribute to the development of greater free market economies.
Our input into organisations such as the World Trade Organisation would be very much strengthened by the enlargement of the European Union. As an Irish Member of the European Parliament, I would like to take this opportunity of restating that the result of the Nice Treaty referendum in Ireland should not be interpreted or construed as a vote against the enlargement of the European Union. Irish public opinion is strongly in favour of the enlargement process, as indicated by a recent Eurobarometer poll which found that 59% of the Irish people were in favour of the enlargement of the Union. This figure is the second highest amongst the 15 Member States of the European Union. Hopefully this Eurobarometer poll will be reflected when the Irish electorate next have an opportunity of making a decision on the issue."@en1
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