The framework directive will provide full harmonisation of the laws on unfair commercial practices.

The best solution would be harmonisation of the laws of the Member States on this matter, but it was not possible to achieve this.

Article 152 specifies that incentive measures may be taken, but excluding any harmonisation of the laws and regulations of the Member States.

The Commission's White Paper on the single market recognised a need for the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States as regards takeover bids.

The proposal in question provides for a particularly intensive harmonisation of the laws and regulations of the Member States and is therefore contrary to Article 152.

The most important thing will be the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States, but for now let us content ourselves with this small step forward, as it is a step in the right direction.

We need both this greater harmonisation of the laws of the Member States on asylum and also an increase in practical cooperation as envisaged in the second phase of the Common European Asylum System.

The Convention will have to pave the way for a Constitution which establishes the respective competences of the institutions and includes the founding values underlying our Union as well, but it will also have to represent an essential stage in terms of the harmonisation of the laws of our countries, not least in judicial matters.