EU
Strong Disagreements
Struggling…
22 Jun 2007 10:39:00
By Athina Saloustrou
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The first talks on the EU Summit Meeting in Brussels on the new European Treaty that will replace the European Constitution proved fruitless. As a result, EU President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that that it is still impossible for one to say whether there will be an agreement. "We are working hard, the problems have not been resolved yet, but all are trying," stressed Ms Merkel arriving at the sessions on Friday morning, second day of the meeting. On Thursday evening after a formal dinner hosted to the 27-member bloc, she had reported that all sides are willing to find a solution.
However, as per the German Chancellor, the negotiations, which are threatened with failure due to Poland and Britain’s tough positions, are being held in an atmosphere of understanding, adding that although nobody objects to an agreement, many composite issues remain open. Luxemburg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, a staunch supporter of the European Constitution, rejected by the French and the Dutch in 2005, reported that "the atmosphere was good." However, Mr Juncker stated that he did not see much of a progress, adding that there are problems with Poland and Britain.
Poland is opposing the new EU voting system, demanding more votes from those it is justified on the basis of its population. The Polish prime minister also stressed that as per the proposed voting system a decision can be taken if it is supported by 55% of the EU member-states and 65% of the EU population. He believes that this system, favours Germany.
After Thursday midnight, Chancellor Merkel met with Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski in the presence of French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus.
At the meeting Mr Sarkozy proposed a compromising solution that would lead to the lifting the deadlock. It is a technical type proposal, similar to the "Ioannina compromise" reached among countries during the Greek Presidency in 1994 under Spain’s initiative. This proposal allows a small group of countries to demand a decision to be re-examined, when the total number of their votes is close to the limit required for the rejection of the proposal.
However, the Polish have described the proposals insufficient, demanding additional conditions to be included. Secretary General of the French Presidency Claude Jean appeared optimistic at an interview with France Inter, adding that the talks in Brussels aim at overcoming the disagreements on behalf of Poland and Britain. In parallel, Mr Sarkozy’s spokesman said that "what is important is that all wish to reach an agreement."
From its side, France hopes that the 27-member bloc will reach an agreement on the European Treaty.
At the same time, the Polish President Lech Kaczyński appeared pessimistic after the end of the first day of the Summit Meeting, adding however he would continue attending the meeting.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman confirmed that there was no progress on that stage, adding that Britain is not the only country which has problems. He was referring to the Nederlands, France and Poland, adding that it is wrong to argue that Britain has been isolated.
The German Chancellor and the Polish President are to meet Friday again in an attempt to lift the deadlock. Additionally, Ms Merkel will meet with the leaders of Britain, the Nederlands and the Czech Republic, who are encountering problems with the new European Treaty. She wishes the 27-member bloc to stage now a intergovernmental meeting that will hammer out the new European Treaty before the Euro elections in 2009.
Strong Disagreements
Struggling…
22 Jun 2007 10:39:00
By Athina Saloustrou
Ε-mail Print
The first talks on the EU Summit Meeting in Brussels on the new European Treaty that will replace the European Constitution proved fruitless. As a result, EU President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that that it is still impossible for one to say whether there will be an agreement. "We are working hard, the problems have not been resolved yet, but all are trying," stressed Ms Merkel arriving at the sessions on Friday morning, second day of the meeting. On Thursday evening after a formal dinner hosted to the 27-member bloc, she had reported that all sides are willing to find a solution.
However, as per the German Chancellor, the negotiations, which are threatened with failure due to Poland and Britain’s tough positions, are being held in an atmosphere of understanding, adding that although nobody objects to an agreement, many composite issues remain open. Luxemburg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, a staunch supporter of the European Constitution, rejected by the French and the Dutch in 2005, reported that "the atmosphere was good." However, Mr Juncker stated that he did not see much of a progress, adding that there are problems with Poland and Britain.
Poland is opposing the new EU voting system, demanding more votes from those it is justified on the basis of its population. The Polish prime minister also stressed that as per the proposed voting system a decision can be taken if it is supported by 55% of the EU member-states and 65% of the EU population. He believes that this system, favours Germany.
After Thursday midnight, Chancellor Merkel met with Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski in the presence of French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus.
At the meeting Mr Sarkozy proposed a compromising solution that would lead to the lifting the deadlock. It is a technical type proposal, similar to the "Ioannina compromise" reached among countries during the Greek Presidency in 1994 under Spain’s initiative. This proposal allows a small group of countries to demand a decision to be re-examined, when the total number of their votes is close to the limit required for the rejection of the proposal.
However, the Polish have described the proposals insufficient, demanding additional conditions to be included. Secretary General of the French Presidency Claude Jean appeared optimistic at an interview with France Inter, adding that the talks in Brussels aim at overcoming the disagreements on behalf of Poland and Britain. In parallel, Mr Sarkozy’s spokesman said that "what is important is that all wish to reach an agreement."
From its side, France hopes that the 27-member bloc will reach an agreement on the European Treaty.
At the same time, the Polish President Lech Kaczyński appeared pessimistic after the end of the first day of the Summit Meeting, adding however he would continue attending the meeting.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman confirmed that there was no progress on that stage, adding that Britain is not the only country which has problems. He was referring to the Nederlands, France and Poland, adding that it is wrong to argue that Britain has been isolated.
The German Chancellor and the Polish President are to meet Friday again in an attempt to lift the deadlock. Additionally, Ms Merkel will meet with the leaders of Britain, the Nederlands and the Czech Republic, who are encountering problems with the new European Treaty. She wishes the 27-member bloc to stage now a intergovernmental meeting that will hammer out the new European Treaty before the Euro elections in 2009.
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