European Parliament
President.
Thank you, Mr Barroso.
We remain in politically uncharted territory, since this is a situation we could never have foreseen. The Treaties clearly lay down that the new Commission must commence its duties on 1 November and that beforehand the European Parliament must give its opinion on a proposal. But Parliament clearly cannot give its opinion if there is no proposal. Mr Barroso tells us that there is no proposal. I believe it would be good to know the Council’s position, since, if there is no proposal, the Council must also give its opinion.
(Murmurs and applause)

