EU must move beyond economics to become a global force

AT THE coming EU summit, debate will centre on whether to go forward with a “mini” EU constitutional treaty.

That debate is the result of the rejection of the draft treaty by French and Dutch voters in 2005. But those “no” votes have obscured the fact that 18 of the EU’s 27 states have ratified the treaty. Luxembourg’s voters, for example, approved it by a 56.5% majority immediately after the Dutch and French no votes.

With two-thirds of member states and a majority of European citizens supporting the treaty, it cannot simply be abandoned.

At the same time, French and Dutch citizens’ voices cannot be ignored — all the more so because it is unimaginable an identical text could be submitted to a second referendum in either country.

As all 27 states must ratify the treaty, it appears it cannot enter into force in its current form and that the “yes” countries cannot push ahead with it unchanged.

But it is equally impossible to start from scratch.

So we must try to reconcile the “yes” and “no” countries if we are to overcome this crisis . And we need to do so quickly if the EU is to deliver on its citizens’ expectations for effective policies in areas such as employment and social inclusion, environmental protection and climate change, security, and the fight against illegal migration.

This does not mean the aim should be enlarging the EU’s competencies at any cost.

In fact, the constitutional treaty defines more clearly which competencies should be shared between the EU and its member states, and how. It also gives a stronger say to national parliaments.

So the objective is not automatically “more Europe”, but rather a “better Europe” capable of acting effectively and more transparently in areas where collective action is clearly necessary.

As such, the institutional reforms contained in the constitutional treaty are still urgently needed. If Europe is to fulfil its role as a major global actor, its scope cannot be limited to that of a large common market. It must be an integrated economic, political and social force.

In order to realise the full potential of the common market, research, technological development and knowledge must be at the heart of the European economy, particularly given Europe’s efforts to be at the forefront of combating climate change. It also needs to speak with one voice on matters of foreign policy in order to play a more important international role in solving major conflicts and shaping a more peaceful and balanced world order.

Finally, the EU needs to promote social cohesion while adapting Europe’s social model to globalisation’s challenges. A large majority of member states, and their citizens, has already expressed its wish for this vision of the EU.

At a meeting convened by Spain and Luxembourg in Madrid in January to which all the “yes” countries were invited, this view was also supported by four other member states that are committed to the constitutional treaty.

The Madrid meeting made clear there is a consensus among these member states in favour of a Europe that can play a key role in our globalised world, and whose actions are based on the principles — effectiveness, transparency, and democracy — that inspire the European integration process.

The solution to the impasse over Europe’s treaty does not lie in diminishing its scope. Minimalist solutions respond to neither the expectations of the citizens nor the requirements of a rapidly changing world.

The answer is more likely to be found in the treaty’s simplification, taking out those elements that are not absolutely necessary, and also enriching it in such areas as climate change.

The EU’s German presidency is working hard to find a way out of the deadlock at this month’s European Council. Those countries that have stepped forward as friends of the constitution have also been making clear that the initiative they launched in Madrid will support the German presidency’s efforts.

If not all EU members are ready to take this path, flexible solutions may be needed. By all means, let us try to preserve the solidarity of all 27 EU states. But those states that are willing to move forward should not be prevented from doing so. Differentiation should not mean division, but rather progress at variable speeds.

Nicolas Schmit is Luxembourg’s Delegate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration. Copyright: Project Syndicate/Europe’s World, 2007.