France will not accept a proposal to change the Strasbourg seat of the European Parliament into the new European technology institute, a French diplomat has said.
Reacting to suggestions by some MEPs that the Strasbourg parliament could be used for the newly-agreed technology institute, the official said that this was unfounded speculation.
“The seat in Strasbourg belongs to the treaty. Parliament has stayed in Strasbourg for a long time and it represents German and French reconciliation and European unity. It makes sense to stay in Strasbourg,” the contact told EUobserver.
The Strasbourg seat has long divided MEPs, some of whom believe that the monthly trek to the Alsatian capital is a waste of time and tax payers’ money.
Built at huge cost in the 1990s, the Strasbourg parliament is used just 12 times a year, but some MEPs believe that a deal to place the institute in Strasbourg could be a way of axing the EU parliament’s seat there without offending French pride.
“We have never previously offered Strasbourg or the French government something tangible to replace the European Parliament,” said German MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis.
“Now we have something to offer. The people of Strasbourg would welcome being at the crossroads of worldwide scientific research and innovation. This would dramatically change the image of Strasbourg,” added Mr Chatzimarkakis.
