European leaders should "not discuss" treaty change, the European Parliament president has warned in a clear block on David Cameron's renegotiation aims.
Martin Schultz, a leading social democrat, said there were "a lot of obstacles" to making changes to the laws binding the Union together in the short space of time before a referendum on Britain's EU membership. It marks the biggest warning today as Europe's big players have been filling into the summit in Riga. The Prime Minister has repeatedly said he wants treaty change.
Mr Schultz's full remarks... I don't know what he is asking for. I had a phone call with him two days ago, he spoke about migration, he spoke about the ever closer union. He won the election, he wants to anticipate the referendum. We know in which direction the UK wants to go that's better for both sides. Both sides are stronger together. David Cameron and the government should take into account that we are stronger together. If this is to make the EU more efficient, democratic and transparent I support that. Not everything has to be done in Brussels. I agree entirely. This is feasible without a treaty change. I think the overwhelming majority of the member states of the EU know there will be a lot of obstacles for treaty change. Therefore we should not discuss about treaty change. Treaty change lasts a long time. You need a ratification in 28 countries. It will take a lot of time. I prefer to discuss about reform steps now. The EU has the four freedoms - of movement, persons, goods capital and services. We will not change that basis of the European Union.
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