EC blueprint for federal Europe will be step toward further integration

A blueprint for a federal Europe will be produced by the European Commission later this year in a major step forward for further integration.

It should include greater control over economic matters and also ensure that countries observe fundamental and democratic rights, including an independent judiciary.

The elements of this new federation will be debated in the lead-up to the European Parliament elections next year, and pave the way for a new treaty — and a referendum for Ireland — after that.