EU-DIGEST

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, The Lisbon Treaty

EU's first president could earn 270,000 euros a year

The EU's first president could earn 270,000 euros ($427,000) and potential perks include a housing allowance, car and some 22 staff, Belgian media reported on Tuesday. EU ambassadors to Brussels have already started discussing the terms and conditions of the new post, as well as the job description and the proposed role the head of the 27-member organization will have. Suggestions have been made that the post could be purely administrative or the president could act as the organization's fully-fledged envoy. The introduction of the EU president post is part of the Lisbon Treaty, signed late last year, which states the EU president should be elected by European leaders for a term of two and a half years and will represent Europe on the international arena. The Lisbon Treaty is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2009 after ratification by parliaments in all EU member-countries, except Ireland, which is preparing to hold a referendum.

Note EU-Digest: EU Citizens need to be able to elect the President they have, not get someone like Tony Blair shoved into their shoes.

Labels: Elections, EU, EU CONSTITUTION, President

Bulgaria Ratifies Lisbon Treaty; European Commission Commends Approval - by D.C. Morales

The Bulgarian parliament ratified on Friday the Lisbon Treaty, by a vote of 199-15 with one abstention, becoming the sixth European Union member to adopt the treaty. The five other E.U. members that have approved the Lisbon Treaty are France, Malta, Hungary, Romania and Slovenia. If the other 21 E.U. members will endorse the treaty, it will be enforced in January next year. The Lisbon Treaty was signed by E.U. heads of state last December that have vowed to ratify it before European Parliament elections next year to erase doubts about the region's future direction.

The treaty will streamline the E.U.'s operations by cutting the size of the European Parliament, limiting the use of national vetoes and creating a post of more permanent president and European foreign policy heads. It will make E.U.'s much-needed institutional reforms possible.

Labels: Bulgaria, EU CONSTITUTION, Lisbon Treaty

Poland's president wants legal guarantees securing present shape of new EU treaty

Legal guarantees are needed to prevent future changes to the European Union's new treaty, the Polish president said Sunday — marking a sharp contrast with his country's own government. President Lech Kaczynski warned that the treaty should not be ratified until special measures were included in the ratification bill to ensure Poland's sovereignty and prevent future changes to the so-called Lisbon Treaty — which sets out rules for running the EU and replaces a draft EU constitution that was rejected by France and the Netherlands in 2005. Kaczynski had been among the EU treaty's fiercest challengers, which helped Poland win major concessions from fellow EU countries in the final draft. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has vowed that Poland would be among the first of the 27 EU member states to ratify the treaty.

But Kaczynski's comments on Sunday suggest the country's opposition — led by Kaczynski's twin brother and former prime minister, Jaroslaw Kaczynski — is demanding even more assurances.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, Pland

EU Reform Treaty ratified by Polish parliament

The results of the vote were: 357 votes for, 55 against, 7 abstentions. Parliament will now pass a bill authorizing the president to sign the ratification of the treaty. Another way of ratifying the treaty provided for in the constitution would be to hold a public referendum. Ratification in parliament was supported by the ruling coalition, consisting of the ruling Civic Platform (PO) and the Peasants' Party (PSL), as well as the opposition Left and the Democrats (LiD).

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, Poland

Treaty of Lisbon signed today: Taking Europe into the 21st Century

The Treaty agreed on by the Heads of State or Government of the 27 Member States in Lisbon on 18 October 2007 will provide the EU with modern institutions and optimized working methods to tackle both efficiently and effectively today's challenges in today's world. In a rapidly changing world, Europeans look to the EU to address issues such as globalization, climatic and demographic changes, security and energy. The Treaty of Lisbon will reinforce democracy in the EU and its capacity to promote the interests of its citizens on a day-to-day basis.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, EU Treaty

France - Mr Sarkozy secures a whopping 140% pay rise from parliament - French also say Yes on New EU Treaty

Edouard Balladur, a former prime minister heading a special commission, has handed President Nicolas Sarkozy some 77 proposals for constitutional reform. A few would increase presidential powers. One clause would enshrine the president's right to “define the nation's policy” (traditionally the prime minister's job, as the president looks after foreign policy and defence). Another would let him appear before parliament (now forbidden on the ground of separation of powers).

This week, a poll for Le Parisien suggested that, if the French were to vote on the new European treaty, fully 68% would say yes.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, France, Sarkozy

Europe Sets a New Course: EU Leaders Agree on Landmark Treaty

European Union leaders meeting in the Portugese capital Lisbon have agreed on a landmark treaty to reform the 27-nation bloc. Diplomats announced the agreement in the early hours of Friday morning. The deal was reached shortly after midnight after leaders overcame objections from Italy and Poland.

"With this new treaty, Europe has overcome an impasse that lasted for several years ... and gets ready to face the challenges of the future," Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, the host of the two-day summit, said at a news conference.Under the new treaty, a new longer-term president of the European Council will be created, as will an EU foreign policy chief.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, EU Treaty, Portugal

EU Leaders Endorse Reform Treaty - by Constant Brand

European Union leaders on Friday agreed on a reform treaty to replace their failed European constitution and give the 27-nation union a more influential say in world affairs, diplomats said. The agreement came after the EU leaders resolved 11th-hour reservations to the treaty draft text by notably Poland and Italy, they said. "With this new treaty, Europe has overcome an impasse that lasted for several years," said Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who hosted the EU summit.

"Europe has emerged stronger from this summit, stronger to face global issues, stronger to take its role in the world and also to increase confidence in our economy and in our citizens," he told reporters.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, EU Treaty

EU reallocates seats over Italy's objections

The European Parliament approved a new division of seats on Thursday despite protests from Italy, which has threatened to block the rearrangement at an EU summit next week due to approve a new treaty for the bloc.

The redistribution to better reflect the size of populations in the 27-nation European Union is meant to accompany the approval of the reform treaty, which raises the number of MEPs (members of the European Parliament) to 750 from 736 envisaged by the previous treaty. EU leaders need unanimity to adopt the change when they meet in Lisbon on Oct. 18-19.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, European Parliament, Italy

EU confident of ending constitution debacle by endorsing alternative this week

Officials were upbeat Monday that EU leaders would end two years of angst over the speed and direction of European integration this week by endorsing a less ambitious version of the defunct European Constitution. "Our confidence is now greater than before" that the 27 leaders would approve a Reform Treaty at a two-day summit in Lisbon, said Manuel Lobo Antunes, the European Affairs minister of Portugal, the country now holding the EU presidency.

He said EU foreign ministers had discussed last-minute hurdles in "an extremely favorable atmosphere."

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Tony Blair adviser: No need for EU referendum - by Martin Banks

Tony Blair's former Europe adviser says the UK should accept the European Union reform treaty. The treaty has ignited fierce opposition in Britain because of ignorance, with critics claiming it amounts to a revived version of the old EU Constitution, which was abandoned after being rejected in referendums in France and the Netherlands."We trust parliament to take decisions on the death penalty, abortion, euthanasia and going to war. Those who say parliament is not competent to decide this issue should be campaigning for a referendum on the British constitution, not Europe." He pointed out that two-thirds of EU member states had already ratified it.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Europe with or without God

For these past four years, Europeans, including, obviously the people of these islands, have been talking and reading quite a lot about the drafters of the European Constitution; These drafters and their associates would do well to refer to the founding fathers of Europe, Alcide De Gasperi from Italy, Robert Schuman from France, and Konrad Adenauer from Germany.

All these causes are at the diocesan level, with only that of Konrad Adenauer at its earliest stage. Chiara Lubich, founder of the very active Focolare movement, and one of the lay auditors at the Synod in Rome, told The Tablet (UK) that with the opening of the three causes, " this project of a united Europe rests upon a rock". She further explained: "I think that the European Union is a design not only of human beings but also of God".

Note EU-Digest: God is omni-present everywhere-if we like it or not. Religious doctrine however can not be part of the political process in a multi-cultural and secular society.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, Religion

EU must learn from America - by John O'Sullivan

Whatever the merits or otherwise of the "comprehensive" immigration reform that foundered in the US Senate last week, its defeat was undeniably a victory for democracy. All the crack regiments of the establishment - the White House, congressional leaders in both Houses, the establishment media from the New York Times to the South Succotash Independent, the "mainstream churches," the major charitable foundations, Corporate America, and Big Labour itself - were solidly in favour of the not-an-amnesty bill.Its opponents were a handful of determined and well-informed legislators, immigration reform groups such as Numbers USA, talk radio hosts including Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, bloggers like Mickey Kaus and Kathryn Lopez of National Review Online, and individual researchers. This was David versus Goliath. David won.America's open debate over immigration demonstrates that the US is a democracy by any standard. The EU's false prospectus, secret deliberations, closed circle of decision-makers, and contempt for the voters make equally clear that "Europe" is anything but a democracy. If it turns out to be merely a ramshackle, bureaucratic, multi-national empire like the Hapsburg one, we'll be lucky.Note EU-Digest: "the author of the article in the Gulf Post is former advisor to Prime Minister Lady Thatcher, is the author of The President, the Pope, and the Prime Minister, Regnery 2007, and a member of Benador Associates.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, US

PM Socrates Faces Daunting Task As Portugal Heads EU Presidency

PM Socrates Faces Daunting Task As Portugal Heads EU Presidency

Germany has handed over the EU presidency to Portugal. For the next six months Premier Jose Socrates, seen as a tough reformer at home, will face the challenge of his career: keeping the EU treaty process on track.

Large countries often find themselves in the awkward position of negotiating EU issues in which their country has strong national interests. Portugal will be able to act more as a neutral broker in the big issues facing Europe.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, Portugal

Poland Celebrates Summit Deal at Home as EU Criticism Grows - by Katya Andrusz

The Polish government is being feted at home after agreeing to a last minute compromise at a summit of European Union leaders on a new governing treaty, while abroad, criticism of its negotiating style is growing. They've more or less sold it to everyone in Poland,'' said Krzysztof Bobinski, director of the Warsaw-based Unia & Polska Foundation research institute, by phone. ``But I don't think this country quite realizes what's going on in the outside world -- the losses that Poland has taken over this whole issue are huge.''

Germany's biggest selling tabloid, Bild, was critical of EU concessions to the Polish government. ``Why is Poland getting extra wurst?'' the paper asked.

Note EU-Digest: the majority of the EU should do everyone a favor and throw out the Polish bums. Who needs them?

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, Poland

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, EU SUMMIT

Merkel and Sarkozy, Europe's political dream team working hard at Summit

An EU-Digest special news update on the EU Summit

European Unity the big winner at EU Summit: Kudos to Merkel and Sarkozy for a job well done

French president Nicolas Sarkozy and Mrs. Angela Merkel emerged the top negotiators of the EU summit and deserve lots of praise. When pressure needed to be applied on the Poland’s recalcitrant Kaczynski twins, it was Mr. Sarkozy who took charge, personally telephoning Warsaw and even offering to travel to the Polish parliament, the Diet, to explain the new treaty.

All the constitution’s main elements, in particular the permanent EU president and its foreign minister now renamed a “high representative” - have been resurrected. The new EU foreign policy Czar to be called High Representative for European Union Foreign and Security Policy, will chair meetings of EU foreign ministers as well as becoming a vice-president of the European commission. There will also be a universally elected President of the EU. The final deal is consistent with the history of the EU. Europe took another federalist step forward, with governments for the common good giving up some of their sovereignty. The driving force of the EU, the French-German axis, remains not only intact but also very effective, with Mrs. Merkel and Mr. Sarkozy now at the helm. An impressive first time performance for Mr. Sarkozy at an EU Summit, and another demonstration of Mrs. Merkels's unique negotiating skills.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, EU SUMMIT, Merkel, Sarkozy

EU SUMMIT Leaders agree deal on new EU treaty after marathon meeting

Leaders of the EU finally agreed a deal on a treaty to replace the bloc's failed constitution after a marathon session that went into the early hours of Saturday. After hours of wrangling, agreement was finally reached on the blueprint document to reform EU institutions that will now be carried forward and signed at the end of the year. Negotiations had dragged through the night after a row on voting rights with Poland threatened to scupper the entire deal.

"Poland agreed in principle to the German idea of ‘double majority’ – the rule of approving all decisions in the EU by 55 percent of countries whose population accounts for more than 65 percent of the EU population. Poland has been promised a postponement of the introduction of the new voting system till 2017. Also, Germany succeeded in securing Britain’s consent to the concept of a new agreement. It agreed to the renaming of the office of the EU foreign minister, who from now on will be called the high representative of the European Union. Britain was also given guarantees the charter of fundamental rights mentioned in the treaty would cause no effects on its legal system. The details of the agreement that took nearly 36 hours to finalize have not been disclosed yet, but many European sources say the EU heads of state and government agreed on the mandate of an international conference commissioned to produce the full text of the EU treaty.

Merkel hopes the treaty will be finalized, signed and ratified by June 2009."

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, Europe, Unity

Germany, Poland reach 'preliminary' deal on EU voting

Germany and Poland reached a "preliminary" deal Friday to overcome Warsaw's objections to an European Union voting plan, which would lift a key obstacle to a new reform treaty, an EU diplomat said. It came after German Chancellor Angela Merkel met three times with Polish President Lech Kaczynski, following intense private talks overnight, at an EU summit dedicated to ending the bloc's two-year political malaise.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, Germany, Poland

EU SUMMIT: Britain and Poland blocking European Unity Process - Parlt's Poettering says goodwill must increase to secure treaty deal

Forbes reports that European Parliament president Hans-Gert Poettering said the 'goodwill' of EU member states must improve in order to secure a deal on a treaty to reform Europe's outmoded institutions. Speaking to reporters here on the second day of two-day summit gathering of EU leaders here, Poettering said: 'The goodwill (of EU states) must increase', declining to name specific countries.Poland and the UK are standing firm in their opposition to various aspects of the treaty despite negotiators' efforts overnight. Poland objects to the proposed switch to a qualified-majority system of voting, dubbed 'double majority', arguing that it gives too much weight to large countries such as Germany. As for the UK, it does not want to cede national control over foreign policy, its judicial and police system, and tax and social security rules, while refusing to give legal force to an EU charter of fundamental rights.

Labels: Britain, EU CONSTITUTION, Poland

Differences at EU summit threaten to plunge bloc into crisis - by Dan Bilefsky

European leaders were confronting a bruising battle Thursday over the European Union's direction at a summit meeting that threatens to exacerbate divisions and plunge the bloc into crisis.

Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, who is determined to replace the faltering EU constitution with a revamped treaty that would overhaul the Union's creaking institutions, called on leaders of the 27 member states to overcome their differences. She warned that failure would stifle the EU's abilities to deal with pressing global challenges such as climate change, the Middle East and energy security.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, EU SUMMIT

Public support for EU Constitution hits a high

Some 66% of Europeans - and 69% of Poles - want a Constitution to be adopted, according to a Eurobarometer survey, published hours before a decisive Brussels summit. However, British citizens remain highly critical of the EU.With the threat of a Polish veto still hanging over the Summit opening today (21 June) in Brussels, new polls show that more than two thirds (69%) of the Polish population supports the "concept" of an EU Constitution.

The concept is also backed by 78% of Germans, while Belgians show the most enthusiam, with 82% saying that they support a Constitution. The Eurobarometer poll was conducted by TNS Opinion on behalf of the Commission and based on interviews with more than 29,000 people in 30 European countries. However, the poll found that only 55% of Czechs and a mere 43% of UK citizens are favourable to an EU Constitution.

Labels: Britain, EU CONSTITUTION, Poland, Polls: Perceptions

EU Poll Shows Economic Optimism, Rising Pro-EU Sentiment

Just over half of European Union citizens are optimistic about their national economies, according to a European Commission poll, a summary of which was released Monday. The poll also showed that 57% of E.U. citizens think their country's membership of the E.U. is a good thing, up four percentage points from the last Eurobarometer survey in autumn 2006. That's the highest percentage of pro-European sentiment recorded since since 1994, the commission said. But a majority of those surveyed said they wanted the E.U. to take more action to fight climate change and terrorism.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, EU Economy

Merkel's Two Front Battle: Blair Taking a Tough Line on the EU Treaty

Two days before the crucial summit on the EU treaty to replace the stalled constitution, British Prime Minister Tony Blair is digging in his heels. Britain, he says, will not give up any sovereignity. But he may be making life difficult for his successor.While Europe focuses on Warsaw's intransigence over the new draft treaty to replace the failed European Union constitution, another source of dissent is coming from the other end of Europe. Britain continues to say that it is willing to block any treaty that smacks too much of a constitution and that transfers too much power to Brussels.

Labels: Blair, EU CONSTITUTION, Merkel

Last Chance for an EU Constitution?

If Merkel cannot break the deadlock on the EU Constitution -- which has lasted for years -- it will be difficult, if not flat-out impossible, for anyone else to do so in the foreseeable future. Portugal and then Slovenia are the next in line for the EU presidency -- and neither of them has enough clout to push through such a monumental change. Though Germany says that it is just looking for a roadmap to the constitution, Merkel will need more than that to carry the document during the next two EU presidencies. There is hope again in the latter half of 2008, when France takes the presidency -- however, the leadership makeup in Europe at that time could produce even further roadblocks.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Poll shows majority of Dutch in favor of amended EU constitution

Almost 66 percent of Dutch voters would vote in favor of an amended European Union (EU) constitution if it is a traditional treaty containing certain changes to the existing EU treaties, according to a poll by Radio Netherlands. Most Dutch people want a new referendum on the new treaty, the poll showed. The current EU presidency holder Germany wants EU leaders to agree on the final text of the treaty before the 2009 European elections.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

The Czech Republic offered Poland an opportunity to climb down in talks on a new European Union treaty on Monday but it is unclear whether Warsaw is interested in a face-saving compromise at a summit this week. Poland is demanding a change to the reformed voting system agreed in 2004 which it says would give big states, especially Germany, too much power mainly at Warsaw's expense.

A Polish veto would block progress on a treaty for reforming creaking institutions designed half a century ago for a community one-quarter the size of today's enlarged 27-nation EU.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION

Op-ed: Europe’s silent pro-treaty majority — by Nicolas SchmitThe solution to the impasse over Europe’s Constitutional Treaty certainly does not lie in the direction of diminishing its scope, and thus perhaps making it just an “ordinary” treaty. Minimalist solutions respond to neither the expectations of the citizens nor the requirements of a rapidly changing world. The answer is more likely to be found in the Treaty’s simplification, taking out those elements that are not absolutely necessary, and also enriching it in such areas as climate change.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Poland sabotaging European Union by Blocking Progress Toward New EU Constitution with Unreasonable Demands

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has indicated that she will not accept demands by Poland to maximize its power in an expanded European Union. The treaty requires approval by all 27 EU members and Poland has indicated it will block it unless the proposed new voting system is adjusted. What Poland is asking for is less of a gap in the weighting of votes for large versus small countries. Poland is a medium sized nation and has complained that the proposed rules favor larger nations, giving them too much power. Note EU-Digest: "As the saying goes - you give someone a hand and he wants your whole arm." Several studies on Poland's membership in the EU have show that Poland has greatly benefited from this membership. Their present demands are unreasonable and indicate a lack of understanding of the basic rules which govern a political and economic partnership."

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, Germany, Poland

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, Merkel

EU treaty must include human rights clause, Germany insists

Germany on Thursday said that the planned European Union constitution must include human rights provisions, signaling tough talks with Britain and other opponents of the clause at an upcoming EU summit aimed at clinching a deal on the treaty.Britain pushes for the removal of the legal declaration that formed a large part of the draft constitution. Apart from basic human rights and democratic provisions the charter also includes the right to strike, to decent housing, to social security, to job training and protection against wrongful dismissal. Note EU-Digest: Not only Germany should insist on a human rights provisions in the Constitution, but also every Citizen in the EU.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, Human Rights

President Sarkozy and Dutch PM discuss EU treaty

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende have "convergent" views on a new EU treaty, a spokesman for the French president said Friday after the two leaders spoke by telephone. During the long phone conversation, Sarkozy and Balkenende "talked about the possible solution of a simplified treaty, on the subject of which their approaches are particularly convergent," said spokesman David Martinon.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Spain and France urge fast progress on EU treaty

Spain and France on Thursday downplayed their differences on the European treaty, urging rapid progress on the issue.

An agreement was needed 'as soon as possible,' Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said at a joint press conference with French President Nicolas Sarkozy during the latter's one-day visit to Madrid.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, France, Spain

EU Constitution: MEPs to debate with Prime Ministers

Ahead of June's European Council two Prime Ministers are in Strasbourg this week to debate with MEPs on what Europe should do about its Constitutional impasse. They offer an interesting contrast: Italian Premier Romano Prodi was Commission President in 2004 when the draft Constitution was signed while Jan Peter Balkenende was PM when the Netherlands rejected the Constitution in a referendum in May 2005 just days after France. Of the 27 EU members 18 have already ratified the Constitution with another 7 having frozen the ratification process after the French and Dutch "No" votes in May 2005. Following those referenda, Europe entered into a period of "reflection" into what should happen next.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION

The European Union- An economic Giant but a Political Dwarf - no match for USA

While the EU has seen some success, there have been far more disappointments and unmet promises. It battles over minor issues: wanting Germany to give up its treasured autobahns to save gas and reduce carbon dioxide emissions; Great Britain finally joining the EU, but refusing to replace the pound with the euro. It has been battling for years about whether to grant Turkey membership while its internal Muslim populations grow by leaps and bounds. And it battles over major issues like its role in geopolitics. As Klaus Haensch, former president of the European Parliament, said recently: "The EU has to orient itself to the outside world now. Someone who is an economic giant but wants to stay a political dwarf is not acting modestly, but irresponsibly."

"The most telling indicator of how far the EU has to go is the fact that 50 years after its inception, it still does not have a constitution. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is pushing for a constitution to be passed by 2009, but as recently as 2005, voters in France and the Netherlands rejected a constitution effort. Werner Hoyer, German lawmaker and a member of the Free Democratic Party, said: 'People are afraid of losing their regional and national identities if too much is turned over to Brussels (EU headquarters). I think national leaders have not explained the EU well enough to their voters. You don't lose your identity by joining the EU, you gain another identity.'"

Labels: EU 50, EU CONSTITUTION

German MEP slams Britain's stance on EU consitution

Britain's opposition to plans for a revamped European Union treaty threatens to split the bloc, the head of the European parliament's constitutional affairs committee charged Wednesday. Jo Leinen, a German socialist MEP, said Britain's stance was complicating the negotiation process and "endangering consensus and a resolution in June".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency until the end of June, plans to present the 27 EU nations with plans to replace the original EU constitution before the German mandate expires.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, European Unity

Poland's President Says Country Can't Accept EU Voting Proposal - by Marta Waldoch and Nathaniel Espino

Poland won't accept current proposals for a new treaty on European Union voting, Polish President Lech Kaczynski said today. Poland objects to a ``double majority'' voting system, part of the original EU constitution, that according to Kaczynski gives too much power to Germany, the region's most populous country.

``It's Poland that will lose the most'' on the proposal, Kaczynski said at a news conference after an energy summit in Krakow. The country doesn't want to ``overuse'' its veto, he said, adding no country would agree to lose its votes.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, Poland

Voting and Veto issues to dominate EU constitution discussions in June

The voting system and where member states should have a right to a veto are shaping up to be the two biggest issues at the treaty summit next month in Brussels with diplomats already gearing themselves up for a long meeting.

The German EU presidency has finished the technical consultations with member state officials - a last gathering of all of these technocrats will occur next week on Wednesday - and is now expected to enter the political phase

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Prodi keen to push EU reform ahead

Italian Premier Romano Prodi said on Wednesday that overcoming the impasse in efforts to agree a European Constitution could require some member nations to move ahead alone. Addressing the Portuguese parliament on the future of Europe, Prodi noted that two of the key developments in the EU's history - the euro and the Schengen agreement - had been implemented by certain members only.

European Commission President José Manuel Durao Barroso is planning an informal summit in Sintra, Portugal, later this month to talk about the future of the EU Constitution. Italy is expected to attend this meeting, along with the new French president, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Portuguese Premier Jose Socrates, who takes over the EU duty presidency from Merkel in July.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION

As American As Apple Pie - Is the EU-US Relationship on the rocks? - by Rick Morren

An American TV commentator on the US Fox Network was questioning why Europeans had so little gratitude for the Americans, who as he said, "did so much for Europe. Europeans copy everything we have and do, fast-food, music and clothes, but they are always critical of us, what is wrong with them?"

The American TV commentator was obviously mixing apples with pears? Europeans have no problem at all with American culture, or for that matter anyone else in the world, just as there is no problem with European culture. An angry French student can throw stones at the US ambassador's car in Paris, wearing Levi's Jeans, while an American college student could burn the EU flag on a US campus, carrying a Gucci bag. Both products are now made in China by the way. No, you can't mix the politics with the culture. The Hamburger and the Frankfurter both came from Europe and today are considered just as American as American Apple pie, another German import. Even Europe's favorite composers, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky have become universal cultural property. The issue in Europe and other parts of the world is really about the American economic and political policy of the US administration - "our way is the only way". That is, unless all the polls in the world are wrong, or just considered "street chatter" ?

Most European leaders: Merkel (Germany), Gordon Brown/Tony Blair (Britain), Balkenende (the Netherlands), Vaclav Klaus (Czech Republic), Rasmussen(Denmark), Persson (Sweden), Prodi (Italy), Zapatero (Spain) and quite a few others are "middle of the road". They stand for a mix of more market controlled economies, less social welfare, less taxes, better regulated universal healthcare, and far reaching public/private sector controlled environmental standards. As individuals these political leaders are pragmatic, moderately nationalistic, pro-European, and do not believe in unilateral action. They are willing to listen to America, but also willing to question or disagree with them. They all believe, like many of us, in the transatlantic alliance between Europe and the US, a pillar of world democracy.

However, in order to be a good partner in any kind of alliance, European politicians need to finally agree on a workable EU Constitution, which has a solid political foundation, is more inclusive, less elitist, more independent, and provides for more assertiveness for the EU on the international scene. It will make Europe a stronger partner in any alliance, including the one with the Americans.

As for Europe's continuing relationship with America? In a way we envy America's directness, and love them, regardless of Bush, Cheney, Wolfowitz, Donald Rumsfeld, and all those other neo-cons roaming the world on behalf of America. We know their days are numbered and that they will eventually end up in history as just another product of corporate, populist and religious fanatism gone out of control. So don't worry, happy days could be here gain soon in the relationship between Europe and America.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, Europe, US

New grand design for Europe is doomed to fail – again-Europhiles have been far too complacent and unquestioning - by Alan Milburn

Europe is on the verge of repeating history rather than learning from it.Pro-Europeans usually point the finger of blame for such public ambivalence at external influences. The media are a favourite target — and of course sections of the press have waged an unrelentingly negative campaign against Europe. The blame game also fingers governments for failing to win over public opinion — and in the UK members of Tony Blair’s Government could have done more to make a consistent case for Europe. But these explanations are excuses: a soft comfort blanket that merely induces complacency.

Unaccountable decision-making no longer works in an era when the public is far more informed and inquiring. The new democratic thirst that exists among citizens requires from the EU a more modern modus operandi.

Labels: EU, EU CONSTITUTION, Unity

UK, Netherlands want EU constitution reworked as 'amending treaty'

UK, Netherlands want EU constitution reworked as 'amending treaty'

Britain and the Netherlands believe the stalled EU constitution can be revived if it is reworked as an 'amending treaty', said UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. 'I think what the Dutch and the British are saying is that it is important we go back to the idea of a conventional treaty where the idea is to make Europe more effective, (and to) work more effectively because we now have a Europe of 27 rather than 15,' Blair told a press conference. Note EU-Digest: this is only a workable idea if it remains a Constitution and is not reworded and renamed an amended treaty. The actual constitution has already been ratified by 18 of the 27 EU member countries and to accept Britains new proposal would mean that the majority of EU members whould now have to join a small minority of EU member states in watering down the constitution. Europe Must not become politically weaker than it already is.

Labels: Britain, EU CONSTITUTION, The Netherlands

The French Presidential candidates and the EU - by Bernard Cassen

It took more than a year and a prolonged period of complaining in public and in private about the French electorate’s decision in the European referendum of May 2005. But now, finally, the three leading candidates in the presidential election — François Bayrou (UDF), Ségolène Royal (PS) and Nicolas Sarkozy (UMP) — have concluded that the 55% of voters who said “no” to the Constitutional Treaty, which would have established a constitution for Europe (TCE), showed wisdom and foresight.

There is a general consensus among the European elite that the people should be kept out of the European decision-making process, and that the parliamentary route is therefore preferable to a referendum.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, European Integration, France Elections

The gambler who is betting on the constitution - by Wolfgang Münchau

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, took two large calculated gambles at the beginning of Germany’s presidency of the European Union. The first was an emphasis on climate change, the second an attempt to revive the EU constitution. Not everybody thought this was a smart choice at the time. The first gamble paid off handsomely for Ms Merkel in political terms, no matter what you may think about the details of last month’s climate deal. I would expect the second gamble to pay off as well.

Ms Merkel has some personal qualities that matter immensely in this difficult process. She is a good listener, and talks straight but does not hector. A physicist by training, she has good attention to detail. Having grown up under the communist East German regime, she is better than most other west European politicians at dealing with central and east European leaders.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION, Leadership, Merkel, Unity

Labels: EU 50, EU CONSTITUTION

EU Marks 50th Anniversary with Declaration of Berlin

Leaders of the European Union Adopted Sunday the Declaration of Berlin with which the EU marked its 50th anniversary. Adopting a new constitutional treaty by the end of 2009 is one of the things included in the Berlin Declaration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose country holds the EU presidency at the moment, President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and EP President Hans-Gert Poetering signed the declaration in the German Historical Museum at the presence of the leader of the 27 member states.

"Europe is strong and active, when it speaks in one voice," Angela Merkel said at the signing and appealed to he colleagues to back the efforts for reviving the constitution because if it does not happen, it will by a "historical mistake". EP President Poetering said the Union needs to be even more democratic, open and close to the people. This is why the EU needs a new constitution treaty not later than 2009, he added.

For the full text of the declaration click on this link

Labels: EU 50, EU CONSTITUTION

Europe declares on 50 - by Bruno Waterfield

The Daily Telegraph has obtained a draft copy of the “Berlin Declaration” to be agreed by Tony Blair and Europe’s other leaders on Saturday and unveiled on Sunday.Mrs Merkel will use a working lunch in Berlin on Sunday to hold Europe’s leaders to a timetable to resurrect elements of the old constitution, rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005, such as a European foreign minister, EU president and new powers to tackle global problems such as climate change.

Speaking to this newspaper earlier this week, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso warned Britain against trying to ditch the old constitution. “That treaty was signed by all the member states of the EU, they put their signatures there, so I believe they have the obligation to work constructively find a solution as close as possible to the original,” he said.

Labels: EU 50, EU CONSTITUTION, European Unity, Merkel

Germany pushes fast-track strategy for EU constitution - by Ian Traynor and David Gow

Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor, launched a fast-track campaign last night to get a slimmed-down European constitution agreed by EU governments within a year without recourse to national referendums. According to officials in Brussels and ministers in eastern and western Europe, the German leader plans to have the charter wrapped up by February.

To avoid controversy and division and to try to avoid national referendums, the blueprint reshaping how Europe is run would no longer be called a constitution. While retaining the key points, it would also be a fraction of the size of the document agreed by EU governments in 2004 but then rejected by French and Dutch voters in referendums in 2005. Ms Merkel aims to set up a conference of government officials from all 27 members countries in June to thrash out the details by the end of the year.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION

Debates on EU Constitution Popular in the Netherlands

The European Parliament will increase the number of debates scheduled in The Netherlands on the European constitution. At least six to eight debates are planned, ANP reports. The number of people who visit the debates is growing. 250 people visited the debate in Maastricht last Wednesday, as compared to 80 at the first debate held in Nijmegen.

Visitors can speak openly with politicians during the debates. While most of the EU countries have long since ratified the constitution, the Dutch say they still have a lot of questions.

Meanwhile, most debate visitors have spoken for more democracy and more unified legislation in Europe, which is actually what the constitution stands for. The results of the debates will be sent to Prime Minister Balkenende.

Labels: EU CONSTITUTION