I believe in a European Union of peoples and states that is close to, and responsive to, the needs and aspirations of its citizens; a union that is stable and prosperous and that radiates that stability and prosperity beyond its shores; a union built on the principles of solidarity and sustainability that is a an economic powerhouse, a beacon of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and that is able to act effectively for the common good as a cohesive political unit and legal entity on the world stage.

I am of the view that although the creation of variable geometries within the enlarged European Union is not a desirable alternative to European integration, forms of enhanced cooperation should not be excluded in principle so long as they take place in the framework of the Unionís institutions in line with the acquis, and that they stay open to all member states that wish to join at a later date.

I believe that the draft Constitution drawn up by the Convention on the Future of Europe, and the amendments agreed to it in the context of the Inter-Governmental Conference, go a very long way towards creating an institutional framework that will allow our union to achieve its aims while simultaneously making a success of an unprecedented expansion. In my view, the adaptations proposed strike a balance between preserving the foundations on which the union has been built since its inception, particularly the community method, the institutional balance and the principle of equality between Member States, and the need for ambitious reforms designed to guarantee the Unionís future dynamism

In conclusion, however, I would not be averse to the introduction, with the necessary safeguards in place, of a flexible form of revision of the Constitution with regard to changes that are of a non-institutional nature, and that would not modify the scope of the competence of the union.

What is your opinion on the timetable to be applied for the adoption of the draft Constitution as presented by the Convention on the future of Europe?

Following the deadlock at the European Council in Brussels last December, a period of consultation and assessment was certainly necessary. One must also keep in mind, however, that the longer the intervening period before negotiations restart, the greater the tendency for delegations to return to issues that were virtually, if not conclusively, resolved. Any such reopening of agreed elements should be avoided, as it will make eventual agreement on a final text even more difficult to achieve. The rapid reconvening and conclusion of the IGC should be the objective, but it must be based on the understanding by one and all that a second deadlock could cause lasting damage to the project of European integration so painstakingly built over the decades.

I hope that it will be possible to re-convene and successfully conclude the IGC at the earliest possible juncture: preferably during the term of the Irish presidency, but certainly by the end of the year, otherwise the risk of a multi-speed Europe may become a reality. At the same time, any watering down of the Constitution should not be accepted.

What, in your view, will be the importance and role of the European Commission in a 25?member state European Union?

Its main function will, and should always, remain as policy and legislative initiator and guardian of the Treaty, and as the independent executive of the union that is accountable to the European Parliament.

As the forthcoming enlargement is set to almost double the unionís membership, the European Commissionís role assumes even greater importance in ensuring that the acquis communautaire is correctly applied and implemented. Having said this, one also cannot fail to appreciate that the diversity which has enriched the Union over the years is set to become even more profound, spanning not only the 25 member states but, more significantly, the constituent regions throughout the Union. This, in my view, places a specific responsibility upon the European Commission, not least when carrying out its task of initiator of Community legislation. It will become even more imperative for the Commission to ensure that its legislative proposals take full account of the situations, difficulties and specificities that prevail in all member states, and are made with an eye to the potential impact that any new measures are bound to have across the European Union.

In dealing with these challenges care should be taken to ensure that the essential features of the Commission ñ such as its independence and its collegiality ñ are fully preserved. Its credibility is equally important.

What are your views on enhancing the transparency of the legislative process at European level and, in particular, the level of public access to information?

I am an active advocate of public access to information, and ensured that in Maltaís accession process systematic and meaningful consultation with all stakeholders and the public was built in to the negotiationsí mechanism.

The European project stands on its ability to engage the European citizen, and the only way to do this is through ensuring full transparency of the legislative process and not only public access to information, but proactive consultation of, and dissemination of information to, the public.

As a Commissioner, I will consider two-way communication with Europeís citizens, not least through their representatives in this Parliament, as one of my major responsibilities.

In its last monitoring report on the accession countries, the Commission drew attention to delays in the transposition of the acquis communautaire in a number of areas. In this connection, what are your views on the application of the safeguard clauses included in the Accession Treaties?

I can say from experience that during the entire pre-accession period the Commission has acted as an important spur to Malta ñ and Iím certain to all the acceding states ñ to make rapid progress in the process of alignment to the acquis, and I certainly believe that it should continue to do so in the final run up to accession and beyond.

Acceding states have all been through accelerated and highly successful periods of extensive reform. Notwithstanding this, in cases of persistent failure to implement sections of the acquis, the necessary remedies ñ including, as a measure of last resort, the safeguard clause ñ will have to be applied. Should the safeguard clause be invoked, reasons would need to be carefully explained to avoid the possible effects this could have on the perceptions of membership by the citizens of the new member states.

What steps would you propose be taken to ensure closer compliance by member states with community rules, especially as regards implementation of community legislation in national legal orders?

The role of the Commission, as guardian of the Treaty, in monitoring the transposition of directives by member states into their national legal orders requires particular attention and is one of the priority tasks of the Commission.

In performing this task the Commission should proactively seek to facilitate the task of national implementation, where necessary by preparing appropriate transposition guidelines, by prompting national authorities at the appropriate time and by offering technical assistance.

The Commission should also always seek to keep the implementation of their obligations by member states under active surveillance, regularly publishing transposition rates as a means of incentivising member states.

The development of the new database providing a standard method of communication to the Commission of the measures adopted by member states to implement directives will be very helpful in this regard.

(To be continued)