|
|
Europe is back on track after 2 years of uncertainty |
 |
+ |
- |
19:51, June 28, 2007 |
Since the concept of an EU constitution was put forward in 2004, opinions have been mixed among EU member countries. Some countries said "yes" and some said "no". For instance, France and the Netherlands, two founders of European communities, opposed the adoption of the EU constitution. That was enough reason for Europeans to ask themselves why. Reflection on this issue lasted for two years, and governments of member states waited to see what kind of obstacles would be in store in the process of adopting the constitution.
Mr. Serge Abou, head of the EC Delegation to China, spoke during a press release on June 26 in Beijing, and briefed the audience on the latest development of the new agreement on the EU and EU-China relations.
"Europe is back on track thanks to two years of uncertainty about the new EU agreement, and reflection among central governments and citizens. Representatives, members from parliament, governmental officials as well as civilians- people from all walks of life- have been involved in the issue of the adoption of the EU constitution by means of a referendum," said the ambassador.
Ambassador Abou also noted that after two years of reflection and discussion, governments have agreed on a particularly new text, rather than on a mandate. In the next six months, there will be a meeting of experts, designated by respective governments, to complete the new agreement before the end of this year, and to have it rectified by each member states. All this work must be completed before June of 2009, when the new European parliament is elected under the new pact.
As for the content of the new treaty, heads of state and governmental officials have decided on the main features, which in fact, reflect the foundation of the former EU constitution- namely the voting rights of each country- and eliminated some symbolic aspects that some people disagreed.
Ambassador Abou also noted that there will be a new president in Europe, the President of the European Council, and a foreign minister for Europe, who will be called the high representative for foreign policy and security. Under the present system, each country holds presidency for six months, which is not very efficient. Additionally, it will be more efficient if one president is designated for Europe with a two and a half year term.
Also under the new agreement, democratic principles will be enforced not only within the role of European parliament, but also within the national parliament of member states. Meanwhile, the charter of fundamental rights will be renewed.
As for EU-China relations, ambassador Abou voiced his optimism, and even painted a rosy picture of future development. The joint meeting between Chinese Minister of Commerce, Bo Xilai, and EC commissioner, Peter Mandelson, was applauded for being tedious but fruitful, with one great achievement being the improvement of the 1985 trade cooperation agreement.
The economy in Europe is running smoothly, unemployment is on the decline, and competition is very positive. These factors serve as very substantial proof that the EU has become increasingly united. Cooperation within member states is quite intact. The agreement reached at the European Commission will further EU development.
By People's Daily Online
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article