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Regleg declares support for new Euro constitution
30/11/2004
Europe's new rule book should mean that the EU is more in touch with its citizens, First Minister Jack McConnell said today at the end of the fifth annual Conference of Presidents of Regions with Legislative Powers (RegLeg) which was held in Edinburgh this week.
Representatives of more than forty governments met to agree the Edinburgh Declaration. It outlines RegLeg's support for the new EU constitution, and calls for further recognition of the important role devolved and regional governments have to play in developing and implementing European laws.
Mr McConnell, RegLeg's outgoing President, said: "RegLeg worked hard to ensure that the new constitution recognises the important contribution devolved and regional governments can make to ensure that the EU is more in touch with its citizens.
"But there is more still to be done if the new enlarged Europe is to truly reflect the diversity and ambitions of its 450 million citizens.
"We have to strengthen the relationship and engagement between the European institutions and the citizen.
"The best way to do that is for devolved governments to have a stronger role in shaping and applying EU laws and regulations. We can bring Europe closer to the people it serves."
The presidency of RegLeg now passes to Bavaria. Eberhard Sinner, Minister of European Affairs, said:
"A strong Europe needs strong regions with strong laws. The regions are the key link between the EU and its citizens.
"They are directly responsible for providing those services which have an immediate impact on the lives of their citizens. That is why the regions must be involved still more closely with the EU decision making progress."