The Russian Government is being supported by the western States and the European Union and we have a responsibility to bring to the attention of the Russians our abhorrrence and our horror at what is happening Mr Andrews said. It was the question of the EU's role in security and defence matters that proved the most controversial for MEPs. He urged the Irish government to follow the lead of another neutral country, Austria, in taking a positive approach to the EU's role in defence. She said that she believed that many people in the neutral States believed that eventually the mutual defence commitment will be applied. President Fontaine emphasised the great importance which the European Parliament attached to EU enlargement.
Parliament has a key role throughout the process leading to enlargement.
Parliament has had this right to make such binding decisions under the assent procedure since the ratifcation of the Single European Act in 1986. Parliament has also been working to help ensure that the applicant countries from the former Soviet bloc will be ready to meet the requirements of EU membership. In this regard it has approved financial support, through the European Democracy Initiative, for over 2000 projects in the areas of law, human rights, press and media freedom.