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Europe is back on track after 2 years of uncertainty
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19:51, June 28, 2007
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Since the concept of an EU constitution was put forward in 2004, opinions
have been mixed among EU member countries. Some countries said "yes" and
some said "no". For instance, France and the Netherlands, two founders of
European communities, opposed the adoption of the EU constitution. That
was enough reason for Europeans to ask themselves why. Reflection on this
issue lasted for two years, and governments of member states waited to
see what kind of obstacles would be in store in the process of adopting
the constitution.
Mr. Serge Abou, head of the EC Delegation to China, spoke during a press
release on June 26 in Beijing, and briefed the audience on the latest
development of the new agreement on the EU and EU-China relations.
"Europe is back on track thanks to two years of uncertainty about the new
EU agreement, and reflection among central governments and citizens.
Representatives, members from parliament, governmental officials as well
as civilians- people from all walks of life- have been involved in the
issue of the adoption of the EU constitution by means of a referendum,"
said the ambassador.
Ambassador Abou also noted that after two years of reflection and
discussion, governments have agreed on a particularly new text, rather
than on a mandate. In the next six months, there will be a meeting of
experts, designated by respective governments, to complete the new
agreement before the end of this year, and to have it rectified by each
member states. All this work must be completed before June of 2009, when
the new European parliament is elected under the new pact.
As for the content of the new treaty, heads of state and governmental
officials have decided on the main features, which in fact, reflect the
foundation of the former EU constitution- namely the voting rights of
each country- and eliminated some symbolic aspects that some people
disagreed.
Ambassador Abou also noted that there will be a new president in Europe,
the President of the European Council, and a foreign minister for Europe,
who will be called the high representative for foreign policy and
security. Under the present system, each country holds presidency for six
months, which is not very efficient. Additionally, it will be more
efficient if one president is designated for Europe with a two and a half
year term.
Also under the new agreement, democratic principles will be enforced not
only within the role of European parliament, but also within the national
parliament of member states. Meanwhile, the charter of fundamental rights
will be renewed.
As for EU-China relations, ambassador Abou voiced his optimism, and even
painted a rosy picture of future development. The joint meeting between
Chinese Minister of Commerce, Bo Xilai, and EC commissioner, Peter
Mandelson, was applauded for being tedious but fruitful, with one great
achievement being the improvement of the 1985 trade cooperation agreement.
The economy in Europe is running smoothly, unemployment is on the
decline, and competition is very positive. These factors serve as very
substantial proof that the EU has become increasingly united. Cooperation
within member states is quite intact. The agreement reached at the
European Commission will further EU development.
By People's Daily Online
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