People must be included in EU debate

IF anything was learned from the Irish Government’s inept handling of its first Nice Treaty referendum, it was the crucial importance of involving people in debate about issues that profoundly change their lives.

Hopefully, this lesson will not be lost on the Coalition as talks open in Brussels on the controversial question of forging a common constitution for a new European super-state.

Basically, the 105-member Convention is discussing how the European Union should be run in the future. With far-reaching reforms of the EU on the agenda, the meeting marks a significant acceleration of the drive towards a new power-bloc called the United States of Europe.

The importance of stirring debate on this controversial question takes on fresh urgency because the campaign to introduce far-reaching changes is rapidly gaining momentum. By June a final draft of the proposed constitution will be ready for an EU summit and the intention is for the new super state to be put on the map by 2004 when Cyprus, Malta and eight East European nations will join the union.

Strategically, the sweeping changes now envisaged are aimed at transforming Europe into an economic force capable of counterbalancing the USA in global terms.

If things go according to the blueprint drawn up in Brussels, the EU would have two presidents, one for Commission which runs the European bureaucracy and the other for the Council, providing the EU with a head of state who would represent its interests on the world stage.

This is a concept which epitomises the deep divisions now emerging within Europe. Supported by Britain, Spain, Italy and Sweden, it remains unpopular with smaller EU states.

There are signs that Europe is moving relentlessly towards a two-tier regime. Lined up on one side are the smaller nations, fearful of becoming second-class members of the club. They include Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Finland, Austria, and Portugal.

On the other side, determined to flex their muscles, are the EU heavyweights of Germany, France, Britain, Spain, and Italy.

With battle lines drawn, the outcome seems predictable as moves towards a more powerful Europe are likely to militate against the lesser States.

Another issue fuelling heated debate is the plan for a much stronger EU executive Commission, a concept also proving deeply divisive. In addition there would be a people’s congress, comprising elected representatives and legislators who would steer Europe’s strategic direction. Within the super State, EU citizens could possibly keep their own nationality plus a “European” one.

Given the controversy surrounding the proposed constitution for Europe, some members of this week’s Convention may be reluctant to call a spade a spade. Clearly, however, a constitution introduced under another guise would still be a constitution, with all that it implies in the context of influencing the fundamental principles under which the Republic is organised.

With a single currency already a reality, Euro-sceptics fear the EU will ultimately become a super power operating under one government, with one defence force, one police force, one State and one constitution.

Against this background, the Irish Government has a bounden responsibility to stimulate informed debate and to spell out in clear and unequivocal terms how the relentless march towards a United States of Europe will influence and shape the Ireland of the future.