1. Do you think that there will be a consensus when the new articles on institutions are released on Monday?

We have been working very hard over 18 months, I think we have created a precedent of openness, and there is a consensus for a union that is more efficient. So that means we must make an effort to reach a consensus. But this does not mean agreeing a lowest denominator. I really want a complete framework that makes sense that makes the EU more efficient and more democratic. I hope we are all working towards that and I hope we all reach that at the end of the day.

2. Do you think that also includes a compromise on the chair of the European Council or rotating presidency?

I think we will have a permanent, stable Presidency of the European Council, yes.

3. How will that work? Will it contain any form of rotation, perhaps for Vice Presidents?

I don’t think there will be any vice-Presidents. We are talking about the chair of the European Council.

4. The small member states – all 17 of them – will agree to that in the end?

Well, I don’t know. My point is that this is nothing to do between big states and small states. This is a completely erroneous approach. It has to do with the fact that we want a more efficient Union. And I do not think that a Union that changes every 6 months its Presidency can be efficient. It is a Mickey Mouse presidency and makes no sense at all. Some of the member states – we must acknowledge – are not capable of organising themselves for a 6 month Presidency. So we have to ask for visibility and efficiency so I do believe that a stable president, with the powers of the rotating president has now is common sense. This is nothing to do with big and small. Any member state may be the President of the Union. Those who say this will always be from a big state are wrong in their assessment.

5. There still seem to be many member states that can’t agree on this. Do you think they will move, or some coming towards them?

My view is that consensus means agreeing on something that is efficient and democratic for the Union. I think this is an important step forward. If at the end of the day they say no, that would be a step backwards. My feeling is that common sense will prevail.

6. Considering that there is only 10 days of work left, do you think that there are some issues that are not agreed upon, that some options are put forward to the IGC, and do you think that would be a negative step?

I hope not. We should try to find a final agreement. I know everyone will not be satisfied with everything. Options are the wrong way.

7. There are still some ideas that not been discussed: the final provisions. There are some that say if we don’t have majority changing of the constitution it will not be a real constitution. Do you think there will be progress on this issue? Will it be debated or is that all decided?

No, no. There is still debate, these things are still open. We are speaking today, 31st May, and we are discussing institutional issues. Things are still open. I am in favour of amendment of the constitution by a super qualified majority but there are obstacles to that. There is of course opposition to that. I am personally very much in favour, and it is something many members of my delegation would support. But we are not the only ones here – we are 16 members of the European Parliament. There are 105 members of the Convention and we have to seek support. In the Presidium I was defeated on this.

8. Many states and many NGOs are asking for a European referendum, and now several heads of states are saying they will not have a referendum. Also in Britain there is a new discussion. Do you think that there is a chance that, even in Britain, a referendum could take place, or is that too ambitious?

I mean we have been rethinking Europe. It is an important time for Europe. We have the Euro operating; we have the largest enlargement taking place. It is really a new time, a new era. Now we have got this constitution, I think we should put it to the people. The people should be consulted about it. I think that the best time would be on the same day as the European elections. But of course there are different constitutional situations in different countries, some countries make it difficult, for example in Germany, or in Belgium. I don’t think we could agree a European directive on that. But I am, as a Spaniard, as a member of the European Parliament, and member of Partido Popular, I am very much in favour of a referendum. My party has already said it will put the constitution to a referendum on the same day as the European elections.

9. If there is a referendum in every member state, would all member states have to ratify it, or is there perhaps a possibility that only 4/5 ratify, meaning that one of the 25 might not join it?

It depends on the disposition of the constitution. I cannot tell now. For the time being the text as it stands requires unanimity.