Christmas aside, much is said in the text, but there is also much that is not said. The Community patent, GALILEO, immigration and asylum are all absent from the chapter on decisions and Mr Lannoye has mentioned other examples. What is perhaps more dangerous is the persistent silence on the overall budgetary implications of transforming ‘community’ Europe, which herald difficult meetings with the people. And in spite of this, the atmosphere that surrounds the Laeken Declaration is, indisputably, a positive atmosphere. This tells you how important the positive aspects are compared to those that do not figure in the results. Other Members, in addition to myself, have reiterated, and will once again reiterate, that the Belgian Presidency, which had ambitious objectives and was tenacious in its action, remained focused – somewhat more than the euro anyhow – both before 11 September and after. For those who are familiar with international relations, this is incredibly significant, not only for Belgium but for the Union as a whole. Prime Minister, we appreciate the role that you personally played in the solution found to the almost scandalous problem of the arrest warrant. It was not acceptable for the Prime Ministers and Heads of State of the Council Presidency to be exempt from this issue. Furthermore, it is obvious that the Socialists attach particular importance to the progress made in social matters: the confirmation of the role of structural indicators in employment, the support for the European social model, particularly through cooperation in the area of pensions, the improved understanding of social exclusion and social involvement are important achievements for the people of Europe. Lastly, let me turn to the Convention, which has already been the focus of attention of so many Members. I would simply like to say this: the statements made today illustrate the formidable task facing the Convention. Therefore, its composition is most crucial and, except on one point, the decisions taken, and especially the innovative measures, are important achievements. The same goes for the representation of the candidate countries. Full participation, without the right to vote, is more in keeping with the dignity of a State, and this question has, wisely, been linked, in the texts in any case, to that of the regions with legislative power. Contrary to what was said earlier, we also recognise that these regions have the status that they deserve. Parliament also attaches importance to the role you grant civil society. And I wish to stress the value of the presidential troika system that you have chosen, which, in my view, meets the current needs much better, and goes far beyond the issues linked to the individuals chosen, individuals that I do not intend to discuss right now. All three are men deserve a great deal of admiration, but the problem, Prime Minister, arises from the fact that they are all men. And therefore, as many previous speakers have during this festive season, I would like to express the wish that the European summit will one day learn, in as many languages as you like, to understand, appreciate, state, perhaps even conjugate much better, on the threshold of the 21st Century, one little word which is no longer established in poetry alone but in politics as well. That word is ‘woman’. (Applause)

Political group: PSE