asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs having regard to the location of the Commission and the Council of Ministers of the European Communities in Brussels and to the desirability in the interest of democratic control of locating the European Parliament at the same location as those institutions and by so doing save considerable costs to the European taxpayer, if he will indicate his desire that Brussels be the future seat of the Parliament and that the seat of Parliament be decided by what is best for democracy in Europe independent of the special interests of particular municipalities or national rivalries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - European Parliament Location.
71.
Objectively, one place of work for the European Parliament would be ideal. Unfortunately, however, this issue involves a number of highly political and sensitive considerations, with which the Deputy will be familiar. A decision on this matter is not one for the Council but is for determination "by common accord of the Governments of the member States", in accordance with Article 216 of the EEC Treaty — that is, by unanimity.
As the Deputy is aware, the heads of State and Government meeting at the European Council in Maastricht on 23-24 March 1981, decided unanimously to confirm the status quo in regard to the provisional places of work of the European institutions. This decision was re-affirmed at the European Council in Luxembourg on 29-30 June 1981.