Today in the European Parliament the German Justice Minister, Dr Wolfgang Schäuble made it clear that the EU hasn't the faintest idea what to do about the stalled European Constitution, said Roger Knapman MEP.

When questioned, Dr Schäuble admitted that didn't know whether or not there would be a Constitution, or mini-Constitution, or whether there will be referenda or no referenda.

Mr Knapman said, "How can he be making any recommendations for further integration to the Parliament when he is in such a state of ignorance over plans".

Mr Knapman had asked the Minister, "Could you define for me what is or would be the difference between the Constitutional Treaty and a mini-Constitutional Treaty?  And in the instance that some other form of treaty being organised could you highlight what aspects in Justice and Home Affairs do you think could be ditched from the smaller version?"

The Minister replied that he has, "to be cautious re. the Constitutional Treaty because it is not my remit....  I'm not competent to discuss the issue you raise... It is difficult to get all 27 Member States to agree.  We are not going to wait to get all Member States to agree".

However one thing was not in doubt, "people who know me know my commitment to European integration, and that commitment is undying."

Mr Knapman said, "It is obvious that the EU will just drive ahead with or without the support of the people, and with or without any real knowledge of what it wants to do".

Notes for Editors

The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel last week in a speech to the European Parliament committed the German EU Presidency to relaunching the defunct European Constitution.