(Reuters) — A proposal to help persuade Britain to remain in the European Union is likely to be agreed by EU leaders, the Netherlands, which holds the EU rotating presidency, said on Wednesday (February 3).
Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders told the European Parliament the proposal on reforming Britain’s relationship with the EU presented on Tuesday by the European Council will help reach a solution that is acceptable to all members, including Britain.
“All governments will now study the proposals, yet I do believe it paves the way, this discussion, for an agreement in the European Council. Further discussions are, of course, needed and some of the issues are particularly complex but I am sure a solution can be found if there is ample political will,” Koenders said.
The 28-member bloc’s institutions and Britain have been locked in talks trying to find a way for British Prime Minister David Cameron to win what he calls the “best deal possible” for Britain while keeping other EU states onboard.
Also addressing the parliament, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called the proposal “fair” and said it should be supported by the European Parliament.
“I have always said I wanted the U.K. to remain a member of the European Union on the basis of a fair deal. The settlement that has been proposed is fair for the U.K. and fair for the other 27 member states. It is also fair for the European Parliament. The European Parliament has a key stake in the process and a crucial role to play,” he said.
Presented by European Council President Donald Tusk, the proposal said Britain could immediately suspend welfare payments to EU migrants for four years if Britons voted to stay in the bloc and could, alongside other countries, have new powers to block legislation. Britain could also opt out of further political integration in the union.
The European Council of 28 EU leaders is scheduled to discuss the proposals during a meeting in Brussels on February 18-19.
