Blair calls for stronger Europe, November 2002

Described by the Financial Times as a 'blueprint for reform', a speech in Cardiff on 28 November by Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed a number of current issues, including reform of the Union, an EU constitution, defence and foreign affairs, and - briefly - the euro.

Although there was apparent agreement that it was a strongly pro-European speech (the Financial Times said it was 'the most explicit acknowledgement by a British prime minister of the need for further European integration') commentators were divided on whether Mr Blair was calling for a more or less federal Europe. The BBC reported that 'The speech prompted the Conservatives to accuse Mr Blair of advocating a European federal superstate', whilst Reuters said the Prime Minister 'reaffirmed his call for a Europe of sovereign nations working together, rejecting the federal ambitions of other European partners.'

Amongst his comments concerning the structure and workings of the EU, Mr Blair again mooted the idea of replacing the current system under which the Presidency of the Union rotates every six months with a 'fixed Presidency', arguing that it would give the Union greater influence in world affairs. There have been concerns amongst smaller EU countries that reform of the Presidency would inevitably see the Union being run by one of the big Member States. Mr Blair's latest idea is that the Presidency should be run along 'team' lines: Member States would share the chairing of the various Councils, and there would be an overall EU President (appointed by the Member States). Mr Blair has for some months been rumoured to have had his own eye on the post of EU President. In his speech he suggested, said The Herald, that the person appointed should be someone of 'outstanding merit'.

Speaking about the constitution currently evolving under the European Convention on the Future of Europe, chaired by Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Mr Blair said 'We do need a proper constitution for Europe, one which makes clear that the driving ideology is indeed a union of nations not a superstate subsuming national sovereignty and national identity.' (Reuters).

Given the tendency of the UK media and governments to deride the European Commission and call for power to be returned to national parliaments, there may have been some surprise when the Prime Minister called for the Commission's role to be strengthened, saying 'We should stand up for the Commission'.

He also called for the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) to be extended, notably in the area of justice and home affairs, in which ministers deal with issues such as crime, drugs, and asylum and immigration. QMV will be needed more as the Union expands, 'so that progress in a Europe of 25 or more is not consistently blocked by veto' (FT). He did, however, point out that QMV could not be extended into every area, citing the UK's desire to retain the veto on tax issues.

On defence and foreign affairs, the Prime Minister commented on the Union's relations with NATO, saying that it needs to be clear that the EU military capability is intended to complement NATO, not replace it. Looking to the enlargement of both the EU and NATO, he said they 'amount to no less than the creation of a new Europe' (BBC). However, noting the case of Iraq on which the EU has failed to agree, Mr Blair called - reported the BBC - for 'a gradual strengthening of Europe's foreign policy' and said that Europe 'must become a partner of the US - not its "servant or its rival".'

The speech dealt only briefly with the euro, saying the UK 'should, of course, join if the economic conditions are right' and that 'A single currency with a single market for Europe makes economic sense.' (BBC). The comments apparently move the UK no further forward in the euro debate, coming as they did only days after the British Chancellor, Gordon Brown, criticised the economic performance of the eurozone countries.

Links:
United Kingdom: Prime Minister's Office:
	28.11.02:	Speech: A clear course for Europe
BBC News Online:
	28.11.02:	Blair: Prepare for a 'new Europe'
European Sources Online: Financial Times:
	28.11.02:	Blair speaks up for greater EU integration
Forbes/Reuters:
	28.11.02:	Blair says Europe's leadership too weak
icWales.co.uk/Western Mail:
	28.11.02:	Blair to promote Europe
The Herald:
	Blair drops new hint over the presidency of Europe

Eric Davies
KnowEurope Researcher
Compiled: Friday, 29 November 2002

In a speech made in Cardiff on 28 November 2002 Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister, outlined his ideas on the future of the European Union.