Kindgo
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...0949EDT0548.DTL
After 16 months of arduous negotiations, framers of the European Union's first constitution finalized their draft charter Thursday but failed to settle differences over how much power national governments would cede to Brussels.
Those differences, notably in taxation, foreign policy and immigration, are to be addressed in talks among representatives of member governments that begin in October in Italy.
Former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, who chaired the European Convention that drafted the charter, urged EU leaders not to make substantial changes in the "fragile compromise" reached by the 105 delegates.
"The consensus reached ... far from being the lowest common denominator, represents the maximum that could be achieved," he said. "I launch an appeal to politicians in Europe: Citizens say yes to our constitution. Do not respond by saying no."
The constitution is supposed to streamline decision-making in the EU when it expands from 15 to 25 members in May. Among other things, it calls for an EU president to replace the current presidency, which rotates among the 15 members every six months.
It also calls for an EU foreign minister and expands the number of decisions that can be made by majority voting, rather than being subject to veto by individual governments.
During the Thursday meeting, the 27th and last session of the Convention, delegates added last-minute changes enshrining an official EU flag, anthem, motto, currency and official Europe Day to the constitution.
They also agreed to set up an EU diplomatic service based at EU headquarters in Brussels, to back up the new EU foreign minister.
But delegates failed to resolve the divisive issue of extending majority voting. Several governments want to retain the right to veto decisions in foreign policy, taxation and immigration.
France at the last minute won a "cultural exemption" by keeping its national veto in culture and audiovisual policy. France feared that without the veto, foreign competition would weaken the French entertainment industry, which struggles against an English-language onslaught.
Several delegates, however, criticized the final draft, saying it went too far in subjugating national sovereignty.
"Congratulations on the new superstate," said Danish lawmaker Jens Peter Bonde.
Other delegates defended the draft as good for Europe.
"This convention is a success story," said German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, who represented his country on the panel. Fischer said the constitution was "a historic compromise that will make the European Union of 25 able to function and more transparent. That will move European democracy forward."
During the October talks, several countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, are likely to keep pushing for majority voting in foreign policy. Austria and Luxembourg oppose a EU president, fearing small countries will end up sidelined.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned he would block any transfer of "sovereign rights" to the EU in areas like foreign policy, taxation or immigration.
Opponents of the veto say it leads to paralysis in decision-making, especially once the EU expands.
If approved, the constitution would mark the biggest single overhaul of the EU in its 46-year history.
Among other things, the constitution provides for a bill of rights guaranteeing freedom of speech and religion as well as rights to life, shelter, education, collective labor bargaining and fair working conditions.
Officials said during the 16 months, some 6,000 amendments were submitted by delegates -- including 1,700 just before the final session.
After EU leaders approve the constitution, it must be ratified by legislatures of all member states and by the European Parliament. The goal is for the constitution to take effect by the end of 2005
Details of final draft of EU constitution
The Associated Press Thursday, July 10, 2003
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(07-10) 07:15 PDT (AP) --
Details of the European Union's draft constitution completed Thursday by the 105-member European Convention. The constitution needs unanimous approval by member states before it can take effect, expected in 2005.
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PREAMBLE
States that Europe based on "equality of persons, freedom, respect for reason," adding, "The people of Europe are determined to transcend their ancient divisions, and, united ever more closely, to forge a common destiny."
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CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Enshrines 50-article charter negotiated three years ago under EU law, containing exhaustive list of rights. Speaks of right of speech and religion as well as life, shelter, education, collective labor bargaining, fair working conditions.
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SYMBOLS
Enshrines EU flag, a circle of 12 golden stars on blue background. Designates Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" as EU anthem. Makes euro official currency. Provides for official motto: "United in Diversity." Proclaims May 9 as Europe Day.
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EUROPEAN PRESIDENT
New post. Chosen by EU leaders for maximum five-year term to chair EU summits, "facilitate cohesion and consensus," represent EU abroad.
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EUROPEAN FOREIGN MINISTER
New post. Chairs EU foreign minister meetings; formulates policy on issues ranging from terrorism to peacekeeping; represents EU abroad alongside EU president. Sits as vice president on European Commission, backed by EU diplomatic corps.
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MORE MAJORITY VOTING
Ends national vetoes in some 50 new policy areas, including judicial and police cooperation, education and economic policy. Preserves vetoes on foreign and defense policy, social security, taxation and culture.
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MORE 'FLEXIBLE' UNION
Makes it easier for some countries to opt out of EU policies they don't like. Allows nations to voluntarily leave bloc.
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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Currently 626 seats, grows to 732 in expanded union of 25 nations. Gets more powers to influence and reject EU legislation.
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TRIMMING EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Cuts EU executive office to 15 members when bloc expands. Rotation system selects commissioners to five-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2009. Commission President can appoint deputy commissioners without voting rights.
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NEXT STEP
EU nations plan to launch final review of draft in October, goal of having constitution take effect by late 2005.
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...1015EDT0556.DTL
Main Points (and the turtles name is Wukei): Post #9 of 9
http://www.euobserver.com/index.phtml?sid=9&aid=12066
Lucky tortoises
He stole the show during his speech by paying a special tribute to his ceramic green tortoise Wukei.
Symbolising longevity and prudence, Wukei has been present at most of the sessions since its first appearance in July last year - after this speech, Mr Giscard pretended to feed it lettuce for its good work.
Vice-presidents Giuliano Amato and Jean-Luc Dehaene also got some lettuce - as well as warm tributes.
UK labour MP Gisela Stuart summed up the feeling on the occasion for several. "Our responsibility is not to the past; it is to the future ... I pray that history may judge us kindly".
It was "an experience of great human value", said Mr Amato.
The road to Rome
Mr Giscard will deliver the draft to the Italian Presidency in Rome next week (18 July). An inter-governmental conference to tie up any loose ends will begin mid-October and will finish before the European Parliament elections in June 2004.
The Constitution is then set to be signed in Rome to create a new Treaty of Rome to replace the current one from 1957.
MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE CONSTITUTION
* Permanent president of the European Council – replaces the current six month rotating system
* Creation of the post of foreign minister
* From 2009, there will be 15 voting commissioners and 15 non-voting commissioners – to be rotated on an equal basis
* From 2009, the complicated qualified majority voting system will be changed to a simple majority of member states representing 3/5 of the population
* The Union shall have a legal personality
* The supremacy of Union law over national law is written down for the first time
* The Charter of Fundamental Rights is legally binding
* Eurozone countries get more powers and possibility to elect their own president for two years
* Co-decision between the European Parliament and member states will become the general rule
* New powers for the Union in areas such as asylum and immigration, energy, space research and energy
* Member states will be bound by a terrorism solidarity clause
Thank the friends from RR for this post ![[type]](graemlins/type.gif)
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God bless,
Kindgo
Inside the will of God there is no failure. Outside the will of God there is no success.
Posts: 4320 | From: Sunny Florida | Registered: Jun 2002
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