President Barroso,

I am speaking on behalf of the European Free Alliance members in the Greens/EFA group. We believe in equality for all people in Europe. We support independence for the nations and regions of Europe which are not currently member states in their own right but which aspire to be, and we campaign for equal rights for speakers of all languages - whether they are official EU languages or co-official languages and whether they are spoken by the majority or the minority in a member state.

You talk in your guidelines about the need to create a "feeling of connection between the EU and its citizens." But this can never be achieved unless the EU recognises the real nations and peoples and subsidiarity operates at all levels, not just between the EU and the member state government.

If the European Union is to effectively support us through the economic crisis, lead the way - as it must - in fighting climate change, protect public services and defend human rights and contribute to international peace and disarmament, then it needs the input of all of us. That includes Wales, Scotland, Catalunya, Corsica, Flanders and many others.

Across Europe at this moment there are discussions, consultations and referenda taking place. I'm not talking about the Lisbon Treaty but about proposals for constitutional change and greater autonomy in these countries and others. I regret that you have not acknowledged or recognised these important developments in your guidelines and have not brought forward proposals for greater involvement of countries and regions which have legislative powers in EU decision making, which we in EFA see as crucial. I would ask you again to agree to do that.

Jill Evans MEP
Plaid Cymru