EU: National veto must go

The Daily Telegraph ^ | Sept. 18, 2003 | Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in Brussels

[bruinbirdman]

The European Commission called yesterday for the abolition of the national veto in all constitutional matters.

The demand was in proposed changes to the draft European constitution unveiled yesterday by Romano Prodi, the commission's president, supposedly in the name of the entire body.

Dismissing the current text drafted by Valery Giscard d'Estaing, the former French president, as "unworkable" and "absurd", Mr Prodi said member states retained far too much power to block decisions. It would inevitably lead to gridlock once the European Union expanded to 25 next year.

Mr Prodi said the veto must be eliminated on all future changes to the constitution, saying it was unreasonable to let any one country block future amendments in perpetuity.

Instead, a quorum of five sixths of the EU states should be able to revise the constitution. This opens the way for almost limitless erosion of sovereignty even if Britain, Sweden, Denmark and Ireland were all united in adamant opposition.

The move provoked anger at the weekly meeting of the college of commissioners yesterday. Neil Kinnock, the commission's vice-president, refused to back the proposal on the grounds that it amounted to a revolutionary shift in constitutional procedure.

Chris Patten, the external affairs commissioner, wrote a letter lodging his protest before travelling to Iraq this week.

Mr Prodi also called for an end to the veto in remaining policy areas, citing taxation, public health and even the fight against bio-terrorism.

"The union's constitution is a hugely important document. It will govern the way our union functions for years to come. So it is crucial we get it right now," he said,.

The original text was agreed over 17 months of arduous talks by 105 MPs, MEPs and ministers in the European Convention.

Critics said that Mr Prodi was playing with fire by encouraging EU governments to start unpicking the delicate compromise, or by pushing for new powers that would never be accepted by London, Paris, Madrid or other capitals. The existing text already goes too far for the British Government.

Gary Titley, MEP, the Labour leader in Brussels, said: "Prodi never learns. By trying to open up the question of the veto he's opening up a Pandora's box. There is a risk that everything will fall apart."

"This is simply ludicrous," said one EU diplomat. "The French wouldn't dream of accepting these plans, or any other state, because it means they could be out-voted on their core concerns."

[Centurion2000]

If they do away with the national level veto ... when do we start remaking the maps with the United States of Europe on it ?

We should just invite a few nations like Poland to enjoy American statehood.

[Pukin Dog]

After surrender, the French are most known for their tendency to overreach. Not getting their way is a bigger insult to them than American Cheese.

This is the beginning of the end, now that their true cards have been dealt. Couldnt happen to a nicer set of surrender monkeys. France has wanted a USofE for a long time now. They wont get it. They could have learned something from Liberal Democrats. You can turn any state into a socialist nation if you just wait 50 years.

[RS]

"This is the beginning of the end, now that their true cards have been dealt."

I wonder just how they are going to un-Euro it ?

[Pukin Dog]

All it takes is for one State to put enough pressure on it's leader (Tony Blair) to withdraw, then the rest will fall like Dominoes.

[hedgetrimmer]

It isn't the United States of Europe. Its the Union of European Socialist Republics. The European Union is the result of a Soviet diaspora that started happening in the 1970s.

[First Amendment]

Gary Titley, MEP, the Labour leader in Brussels, said: "Prodi never learns. By trying to open up the question of the veto he's opening up a Pandora's box. There is a risk that everything will fall apart."

Please, please let it fall apart!!!

[PGalt]

I agree with you 2000% Centurion.

[DoughtyOne]

[RS]

"All it takes is for one State to put enough pressure on it's leader (Tony Blair) to withdraw"

That might happen, but I was aiming at the Euro itself, which the British people were not stupid enough to buy into.
With no veto - the British might be ORDERED to give up their currency

[longtermmemmory]

the "euro" is the big stick to force the smaller nations in line. The have to have the agriculture subsidies for their own internal political stability. No subsidies and the agriculture majority will vote them out of office or worse.

[jungleboy]

Scary times... the Socialist/Marxists are about to take complete control of Europa... scary times indeed...

[At _War_With_Liberals]

"We should just invite a few nations like Poland to enjoy American statehood.


Good thinking.

[lafroste]

Instead, a quorum of five sixths of the EU states should be able to revise the constitution

Come come now. That's no way for a "democracy" to function. I say make "constitutional" changes a matter of a simple majority rule. It's only fair!

That should keep those idiots preoccupied for the next 200 years or so...

[Prodigal Son]

What I want to know is when they lose all their individual UN seats. If they're one country, they ought to get one seat. France and the UK would need to come off the permanent security council to be replaced by one EU member. If their individual states have UN seats although they are one functioning entity, we ought to have 50 seats in the UN as well.

[RS]

"What I want to know is when they lose all their individual UN seats. If they're one country, they ought to get one seat. France and the UK would need to come off the permanent security council to be replaced by one EU member. If their individual states have UN seats although they are one functioning entity, we ought to have 50 seats in the UN as well."


EXCELLENT point ! worth repeating !

[bruinbirdman]

" That's no way for a "democracy" to function. I say make "constitutional" changes a matter of a simple majority rule. It's only fair! "

Come, come, now. Just put constitutional changes to the euro supreme court. They will make any socialist changes necessary. Courts legislate don't they? Are they appointed for life?

yitbos