Michael,
I hate Chirac but I have to give him credit, at least he put it out their for the people to vote on. Countires don't have to have a referendum, they can approve it through their Parliments. At least Chirac put it up for people to vote on.
I also agree with you. This comes to fast after the Euro Integration. People are still getting used to the Euro. + It did give to much power to Brussels. The Comissions make laws and the members of the comissions are NOT elected. It reminds me of Communism, when un-elected Eurocrats make the laws and there is no way to vote them out of office becasue they are not elected in the first place.
More time is needed.
Exactly. The lack of democratic control is wrong - funny enough, the constitution would give more power to the parliament, but it would also strengthen the unelected commission. I don´t want a political union, because I don´t want Swedes, French, soon Romanians, Irishmen to decide what´s best for my country. We are not ready for a political union, so it´s good to slow down.
You´re right, it´s good that Chirac gave his people a voice and choice.