Why pro-Europeans should oppose the EU Constitution

The cheerleaders of the proposed EU constitution – including the 500 MEPs who voted in favour of it in Strasbourg this week – are putting the entire project of European co-operation in danger. In their zeal for further integration, they risk driving a nationalistic wedge between member countries and could jeopardise the real benefits the EU has brought in terms of coming together to address the social and environmental problems that can only be tackled through international co-operation... In the recent European parliamentary vote on the Constitution, a majority of MEPs from three EU member states voted against the Constitution. In other countries like Sweden and Malta, governments are denying the citizens a vote because voters might say 'no'... if the governments and the EU continue to ignore the pressure from citizens then the healthy scepticism which I endorse could be turned into something more sinister. A rejection of the internationalism implicit in European integration and a return to nationalism would be a disaster for Europe and the wider world. If the political class does not address the legitimate concerns of the sceptical public about the EU then nationalism could be the result.

Earlier, same source, another op-ed:

Why eurosceptics should vote for the Constitution
by Richard Corbett
January 12 2005
Eurosceptic parts of the press are already conjuring up fears of an imminent centralised superstate. Of course, it's easy to see why those on the extreme right are opposed to the new constitution. There's much in it to displease them – respect for human rights, respect for minorities, principles of non-discrimination... the new constitution... emphasises yet again that the European Union is a voluntary association of co-operating states, with only those responsibilities that its members unanimously choose to give it... streamline decision-making to prevent gridlock in an enlarged EU... introduce greater democratic safeguards... clarify the nature and aims of the Union.

"Richard Corbett is a UK Labour MEP. He was also co-rapporteur for the European Parliament's report on the European Constitution."

which is probably why he doesn't mention that the measures to streamline decision-making overrule any supposed democratic safeguards. The nature and aims of the Union is to surrender sovereignty for no reason other than to do it.

the French agenda made plain, and a "what an ego" ping:

Chirac 'can't imagine' a French no to Constitution
23.03.2005 - 15:29 CET | By Elitsa Vucheva
http://www.euobserver.com/?aid=18732&print=1

[quote] He went on to warn of the consequences of a no vote. "It is certain that if France blocked the European project... it would lose a large share of its authority, which is necessary, in the Europe of tomorrow". [unquote]

Dutch to kick start Yes campaign
19.04.2005 - 09:59 CET | By Lucia Kubosova
http://www.euobserver.com/?aid=18881&print=1

The cabinet will focus on explaining the benefits of the new treaty and rebuffing the claims of the No camp, which has tried to link the text to Turkey's EU membership and a dilution of Dutch nationals' rights, the Financial Times reports... Mounting opposition among French citizens is reportedly raising concerns in the Hague, but officials denied claims that a negative outcome in France would put a halt to the Dutch vote.

Dutch support for constitution waning
18.04.2005 - 08:45 CET | By Mark Beunderman
http://www.euobserver.com/?aid=18869&print=1

According to De Volkskrant on Saturday (16 April), a confidential survey by the Dutch cabinet shows that backing for the new EU charter has dropped to 40% among less informed voters and to 50% among better informed voters.

Chirac faces opposition to Constitution from own ranks
15.04.2005 - 19:12 CET | By Lisbeth Kirk
http://www.euobserver.com/?aid=18866&print=1

EUOBSERVER / COPENHAGEN - French president Jacques Chirac is facing opposition to the Constitution from within his own ranks, as well as fighting an uphill battle to win the sympathy of the French people.

"If this Constitution wins, it is the end of Europe," Niclolas Dupont-Aignan, a French MP from Chirac’s own UMP party, declared in Copenhagen on Friday (15 April).

Speaking to the press after meetings with members of the Danish Parliament, the Gaullist leader of the French no-campaign argued that a no-vote would serve Europe well.

"The system has been built without the will of the people and they will revolt within ten years if this [treaty] is passed. We see it already with the Bolkestein directive and with Turkey's possible entry into the EU," he warned.

"We cannot build a solid European future on such a complex text," the MP added, branding the Constitution a 'judicial monster' which he said would be the end of free states in Europe.

"Just because we say no, doesn't mean we are against Europe," he explained.

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