Sir, - The Nice Treaty which was recently signed by EU foreign ministers is a good deal for Ireland and a good deal for the European Union. In its simplest terms, the enactment of the treaty's provisions will pave the way for the enlargement of the European Union. Decision-making procedures within the EU institutions will have to change before any new member-states can accede to the Union. The Nice Treaty has now reformed the decision-making procedures within the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Council, which represents the 15 governments of the EU. The treaty is a good deal for applicant countries but it is equally a good deal for smaller member-states within the EU.
The treaty ensures that Ireland retains a right to nominate a member of the European Commission until at least 27 countries become full members of the European Union. It also ensures that issues concerning direct taxation and, justice and home affairs are left to individual member-states to deal with themselves.
New powers are given to the EU institutions in the area of tackling social problems while a new Charter on Fundamental Rights outlines key civil, political, economic and social rights to which the citizens of the European Union are now entitled.
Irish people should not fear enlargement of the European Union. The opposite is the case. As an exporting country, it is important that we can sell our goods and services to new markets where no import duties exist.
I believe that enlargement Union offers real and tangible opportunities for Irish businesses to expand their operations and to create more jobs within the Irish economy.
Enlargement will equally help to consolidate new democracies in eastern and central Europe. The provisions of the Nice Treaty will help build a new European Union at peace with itself, a Union that will become more prosperous while also ensuring that key policies are put in place to help the less well-off and disadvantaged in our urban and rural communities. - Yours, etc.,
Gerard Collins MEP, Leader of the Fianna Fail group in the European Parliament, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick.