Decision affects us all

My guess is probably not many, yet its members are drafting a European constitution that is likely to determine the way in which decisions affecting us all are taken.

Government ministers, MPs and MEPs of all parties and every EU nation are debating the issues at meetings of the convention in Brussels.

If their work is not widely known this is more a reflection on our national media than on their efforts.

Some will regard the prospect of a European constitution with horror.

The EU, or perhaps the United States of Europe, will gain a legal personality with international recognition.

This is bound to present a challenge to the independence of member states.

Yet it will also define and limit the powers of ' Brussels'.

Every local resident should gain the constitutional right to challenge the European institutions in the courts if they overstep the mark in taking decisions centrally.

Liberal democrats say that the constitution should also spell out the right of any country to leave the union.

The EU is often criticised for punching below its weight on the world stage.

Our size and economic output exceeds that of the USA yet we always play second fiddle.

Many want to strengthen Europe's ability to speak with one voice in foreign affairs and security matters, but how do we do this without taking power away from individual nations?

There is a danger that what little we do hear of the convention's work will not take account of the diversity of views.

Our Government, for example, is pushing its own agenda and wants to strengthen the powers of EU ministers.

But smaller countries prefer having a strong and independent European Commission to being pushed around by Britain, Germany and France.

The convention is due to report next June.

Achieving a balance that will please everybody may prove impossible, but its conclusions will profoundly affect the future of our country.

Chris Davies

Liberal Democrat

MEP for the North

West