Flexibility clauses open up the possibility of closer cooperation in the context of the Treaty on European Union and in the fields of justice and home affairs between states which are willing and able to do so. £>The European Parliament will be markedly strengthened. The scope of its powers of co-decision will be broadened and the number of procedures reduced. £>The Council will more often take its decisions by a qualified majority. Within the Commission, the position of the President will be significantly strengthened. In respect of the future size of the Commission and the weighting of votes in the Council, a multi-stage plan has been agreed which will provide for the necessary institutional reforms prior to the entry into force of the next enlargement.