Europe drags its feet
The European Union has yet to tackle the issue of institutional reform in view of its enlargement in the future. The debate is on, but few have grasped the formulas which have been put forward to ensure swift decision-making in a union of 25 members. An EU directorate, a federal model, and reinforced majorities comprise the vague proposals. But the Barcelona summit does not seem to have clarified the intentions of governments. The obstacle to any decision on this issue is quite concrete: the electoral battles which are due to take place this year. The summit was attended by one defeated prime minister, Antonio Guterres of Portugal. Furthermore, two major elections will have taken place by this autumn in two major countries, namely France and Germany, while by the end of the year, elections will have been held in Ireland, Sweden and the Netherlands. These elections will not just decide the fate of political leaders; they will also decide what trend will prevail among the EU’s 15 member states. The powerful social democratic bloc is cracking and it is likely that by 2003 the majority of EU leaders will be conservatives. This would be a positive development as a new majority imbued with different notions could provide fresh momentum over big issues such as labor and social security… The most important decisions in Europe have always been promoted by conservative parties and then implemented by social democratic ones.
