ALDE welcomes Observer MEPs from 26 September 2005

 

 

ALDE welcomes Observer MEPs from 26 September 2005

 

The European Parliament today defeated a motion to delay the arrival of Bulgarian and Romanian parliamentary observers to the European Parliament. The motion to delay their arrival was an electoral manoeuvre made by the German Christian-Democrats, which duly backfired, as a huge majority voted against their delaying proposal.

 

Although the presence of the observers is limited and restricted in terms of real influence, this makes it possible for parliamentarians from acceding countries to familiarise themselves with the European Parliament proceedings.

 

"I am pleased that the plenary chose to endorse and stick to the decision already taken by the political  Group leaders to welcome Members from Bulgaria and Romania to the European Parliament from 26 September. The Council of Ministers integrated Bulgarian and Romanian observers in to their structures after the signing of the accession treaties. There is absolutely no reason why the European Parliament should not do likewise", said Graham Watson, leader of the ALDE Group. "Bulgaria and Romania will join the European Union as planned, and their accession will only strengthen the EU", he added.

 

"The overall support for the joint motion by the ALDE Group, the Socialists, Greens and others show that our Bulgarian and Romanian colleagues will have a warm welcome when they arrive this September", commented Cecilia Malmstrom.

 

"It is hard to understand EPP colleagues who supported this late move to hinder our parliamentary colleagues from Bulgaria and Romania", said Annemie Neyts. "After all, the Observers are here to follow legislative work. New EU laws will also apply to them. By sharing experiences and views with us, that will only help and facilitate the actual accession of their countries to the Union".