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United Europe - One President, One Army 10/30/02 Members of the convention on the future of Europe met this week to discuss Europe's future expansion and examine the possible framework for a European Constitution. Valery Giscard d'Estaing, the former French president, presented the first constitutional outline draft in a 15-page document, which consists mainly of loose chapter headings that leave details to be filled out later. The draft proposal presents the possibility of a powerful new Eropean Union president, a congress of national and European parliamentarians and an "exit clause" for nations that want to quit. Current EU structure has become so complex that the Union has difficulty functioning smoothly. This new blueprint will create a unified treaty and form a "single legal personality" - a presidency - that will act on behalf of the EU to sign treaties and sit on international bodies such as the United Nations. With these changes, Mr. Giscard would also like to see the EU's name change to more accurately reflect the new structure, with preference being given to a "United Europe". Most of the specifics have yet to be worked out as the delegates continue to debate the final form of any document. Several working groups are trying to come to a consensus on these and other issues. One issue causing some contention with the United States is that of the role of a potential European defense force. Michel Barnier, the European Commissioner who leads the convention's defense working group, is putting forward a controversial plan that will invite European Union members to form a separate mutual defense pact separate from NATO. Regarding this plan Mr. Barnier said, "My ambition is to call into being a new defense initiative. The hour of truth is coming for Europe: do we want to be only an economic and financial community or do we want to become an independent political power?" The first step will be solidifying support for a 60,000 strong rapid reaction force that will come into operation next year. The United States, as well as many Europeans, are concerned that such a force will create duplication between NATO and the EU, resulting in wasted resources and possible political conflict between the two. One NATO official said, "The growing divide between Europe and the US is one of the most dangerous developments on the international scene. Rogue states and international terrorists must be delighted that the Prime Minister has helped to create an institutional framework that splits the defense relationship of Europe from America." Delegates are hoping to work out all issues for a final conference
in late 2003, when the new European constitution can be ratified by
member nations. Related stories: More
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