From 9 to 10 July 2003, the final plenary meeting of the European Convention was held in Brussels, at which representative of the Latvian government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete, also participated.

At the plenary meeting, debates were held on Part III of the draft Constitutional Treaty in relation to EU policies and their implementation, in order to prepare technical amendments to the draft Treaty in accordance with the mandate of the Thessaloniki European Council. Ms Kalniete also contributed to the debate, expressing support for the retention of the principle of unanimity voting within the Council of Ministers on immigration policy, and on issues related to trade in cultural and audiovisual services. On defence policy, Ms Kalniete advocated support for enhanced cooperation open to all EU member states with no set criteria, rather than structural cooperation based on military criteria.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants signed the draft Constitutional Treaty. The President of the Convention Valéry Giscard d'Estaing will submit the draft to the European Council on 19 July 2003 in Rome.

(end of text)