| Author (Person) | Spinant, Dana |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.10, 13.3.03, p3 |
| Publication Date | 13/03/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
|
Date: 13/03/03 By A EUROPEAN Union of 27 or more countries must allow for closer cooperation between member states who wish to boost integration in specific areas, according to a study commissioned by Jacques Delors, the former European Commission president. Failure to provide a mechanism to achieve this could result in the Union stagnating, warns the report for Delors' Notre Europe think-tank. The author, Brussels-based academic Eric Philippart, argues that providing the means for enhanced cooperation will introduce flexibility, without endangering the organisation of the Union. The study proposes that two forms of cooperation be spelled out in the constitutional treaty being drafted by the European Convention, which Delors had hoped to chair. First, member states could engage in closer cooperation "outside the treaty" provided they do not contravene it or affect "the political development of the Union". The countries involved would be expected to inform the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the Commission of their joint action. The second scenario, of enhanced cooperation, envisages states engaging in common action through the Union's institutions and normal decision-making channels. Such cooperation, which should be detailed in Article 34B of the constitutional treaty, should be subject to approval from the Council of Ministers or the high representative after consultation with the Parliament. But such cooperation could be launched in circumstances where it does not affect the Union's internal market or economic and social cohesion, and does not discriminate against member states. Some fear closer cooperation would create a two-speed EU, with a core of member states committed to deeper integration and other countries potentially left out in the cold. A European Union of 27 or more countries must allow for closer cooperation between Member States who wish to boost integration in specific areas, according to a study commissioned by Jacques Delors, the former European Commission president. |
|
| Related Links |
|
| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
