The Berlin Declaration has brought to the fore the celebrations of another 50 years anniversary. Last week we celebrated the independence of Ghana and the start of the process that led to the freedom and independence for over 40 states. This week we are celebrating quite the reverse. 50 years ago the Treaty of Rome was signed setting forth the gradual erosion of the statehood of the 'member states'. The European Union can be so frustratingly undemoctratic and The Berlin Declaration provides us with another perfect example.
The dramatic failure of the European Constitution publically revealed the disparity between Europe and its citizens. This week, Europe's leaders have announced that a new treaty will be created to fill the void left by the absence of a constitution. It will be interesting to see if the new Treaty will be put to referenda or have European Heads of Government finally learned that to push Europe forward they cannot rely upon the support of their citizens.
The dramatic failure of the European Constitution publically revealed the disparity between Europe and its citizens. This week, Europe's leaders have announced that a new treaty will be created to fill the void left by the absence of a constitution. It will be interesting to see if the new Treaty will be put to referenda or have European Heads of Government finally learned that to push Europe forward they cannot rely upon the support of their citizens.
European leaders in Berlin are set to announce this week a list of achievements and the challenges ahead. Here's my own list of achievements and challenges.
Acheivements
1. Peace - Although the young might take peace for granted, there has not been war in Western Europe since 1945. The EU has helped created an economic and political dependency between the States that has reduced the possibility for war.
2. Free Market - Even the most eurosceptic right wingers have to applaud how the free market has increased trade and prosperity across the continent.
3. Removal of internal borders - A more contentious issue but any tourist will be grateful that they no longer have to whip out their passport every time they fly into Turin for the ski trip to France. Although the sceptics amongst you might recognise that once in Spain any potential asylum seeker now has a free pass to north France and can join the queue to Britain.
4. Single Currency - Facilitates trading and business, which has increased employment and created economic stability.
5. Peter Mandelson - I think I am allowed at least one frivolous entry and for taking this sycophant out of British politics I will forever be grateful that the EU exists.
Challenges
1. The Common Agricultural Policy - Whilst fairtrade bananas and chocolate fills the shelves of Tesco the eurocrats are doing their best to keep out non-European agricultral produce that the could threaten the supremacy of the French, oops, I mean European farming industry. We are happy to lose other industries to the developing world, isn't it about time we allowed African farmers a better chance to fill our stomachs? Even if that does mean we have to stand arm in arm with Chris Martin.
2. Bridging the Democractic Deficit - The European Parliament is still a relatively impotent force in European Politics. Now that Europe has an active role in the political decisions made at national level isn't it about time was had a say who those people are? An increasing number of decisions are made without unanimity. This means if Blair votes against a proposal it can still be carried. British law can be changed against the wishes of the British people and the British Prime Minister. This must change. Either bring back unanimity for everything - which would be unworkable with 25 member states - or enfranchise the citizens into the decision making process.
3. Reducing Beaurocracy - pretty much self explanatory. The European Union needs to be streamlined.
4. Common Foreign & Security Policy - The three main issues here are the threat Europe poses to NATO, the length of time Europeans governments can retain more than one seat on the UN Security Council and the role of the High Representative of the aforementioned policy.
5. The British Rebate - Always going to be contentious, Blair successfully retained the British rebate but for how long can Britain appease the Eastern European states. As long as Britain continues to push to keep its rebate in return for changes of CAP the French will eventually back us.
No comments:
Post a Comment