Convening of the Intergovernmental Conference IGC: Parliament's opinion (Article 48 TEC)

The Council discussed reform of the EU treaties, on the basis of a report from the Presidency (10659/07), in preparation for the European Council's meeting on 21 and 22 June. The Presidency's report comes in response to a request from the European Council in June 2006, in the light of consultations held with the Member States following the difficulties encountered in the ratification of the constitutional treaty. It provides an assessment of thinking on the treaty reform process and explores possible ways forward, with a view to enabling the European Council to settle the matter.

The Council's discussion focused on the following issues:

• methodology (returning to the traditional method of treaty changes through an amending treaty);
• changes in terminology;
• a single legal personality for the EU;
• the Charter of Fundamental Rights and a reference thereto in the treaty;

• overcoming the existing "pillar" structure.