The EU Constitution - what does it say?

The European Movement (Malta) is to focus on the contents of the Draft European Constitution, which is currently being ratified by the EU member states. This article is the first in a series on the subject.

The Draft Constitution states that the EU is founded on the values of the respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.

These are the same values embraced by all the member states whose societies are founded on pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men.

The EU is made up of democratic states. Its main aim is to strengthen democratic freedoms so that the citizens of the Union can enjoy more, not fewer, rights.

The EU is obliged to promote the values just listed. However, it has also earmarked as one of its main duties the objective of promoting peace and the well-being of its citizens. The EU tries to improve the well-being of its citizens by protecting the health, welfare and security of its citizens through the establishment of proper standards to achieve this.

Indeed, for all the citizens of the Union, including us Maltese, the territory of the EU from the borders of Russia and eventually the Black Sea to the Atlantic Coast is an area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers where competition is free and undistorted.

In the Constitution the member states have pledged that in pursuing these goals and in particular that of economic growth they must also maintain the goal of sustainable development. In other words development must not be allowed to occur at the expense of the environment.

The Constitution obliges the EU to work to achieve a balanced economy characterised by price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, full employment and social progress, a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment.

Of course mere membership of the EU will not mean that citizens will automatically have all these benefits bestowed on them. They have to work hand in hand with fellow citizens in the other member states in a spirit of solidarity to achieve them.

Indeed, the Constitution envisages that the European Union works to achieve those common objectives that have been entrusted to it by the member states. The rest are left to the member states themselves. All European states, which not only respect the EU's values but are ready to promote them, can join it.

The Constitution makes it a duty of the EU to combat social exclusion and discrimination. It is the Union's duty to promote social justice and equality between women and men, solidarity between the generations and to protect the rights of the child.

It shall promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among the member states.

One of the major tasks of the EU is to ensure that Europe's rich diversity is preserved. Indeed the Constitution states that the Union "shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe's cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced".

Protecting all European identities, national, regional and local, is a core aim. The EU is not a cultural melting pot.

In brief

The New European Constitution means:

More, not fewer, rights for all Maltese citizens;

The values of the EU are human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, human rights and the rights of minorities;

These must be pursued in the context of pluralism., non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality;

From the borders of Russia to the Atlantic, the EU is an area of freedom, security and justice;

On the economic front the EU is obliged to build a social market economy based on price stability, full employment, social protection, and a high level of environmental protection;

The EU is obliged to promote policies that seek to narrow the differences in the levels of development between the regions; and

One of the major aims of the EU is to protect and promote Europe's rich cultural and linguistic diversity.

Malta and Objective 1

Economic figures issued by Eurostat (the EU's statistical office) some time ago showed that the gross domestic product (GDP) per head in the Union measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) varies from 32% of the average of the 25 member states in Lubelskie, Poland, to 315% in Inner London.

In 2002, the last set of figures so far available, Malta's GDP per head was 74.3% of the EU average. But the three-year average covering 2000-2002 (both years included) put Malta's figure at 75.9%.

Since its average is above 75%, Malta is not qualified to be treated as an "Objective 1" region. Provisional figures released for 2003 last year show Malta at 73% of the EU average.

So if when the decision on the budget is taken on the three-year average comprising 2001-2003 instead of 2000-2002, it is likely that Malta will still qualify as an "Objective 1" region.

It is reported that the 2003 figures have not yet been compiled because some member states have been late in sending their data. In the meantime it is important for Malta to fight its corner and we augur it every success.

Whatever the outcome, one study published by the European Parliament already suggests a figure of €754 million for the period 2007-13. This makes Malta a net beneficiary for that period.

Of course this amount may still change if the member states reject the Commission's budgetary proposals. To arrive at the net benefit for Malta we also have to subtract Malta's annual contribution to the EU budget.

Membership advantages

The European Movement (Malta) has always argued that the main advantage of EU membership does not come from the amount of structural funds Malta receives, although these are helpful. Had we stayed out of the EU the level of aid we could expect from the EU would have been much less than what is on offer - perhaps as little as a tenth of what we stand to receive.

The main economic advantage of membership is related to the fact that the EU market is now wide open to our goods and services. Similarly, the markets of our Mediterranean neighbours have also been prised open thanks to the EU's free trade agreements with them.

The opportunities for Malta and its citizens have increased enormously. It is up to Malta to work hard to take them up.

Another advantage is that the Maltese people will in future realise an improved quality of life because of the environmental, social and health standards that Malta has to adopt. Just give them time to catch on. But what value do we attach to the implementation of these standards?

Where are the citizens, Mr Barroso?

The Young European Federalists (JEF - Europe) have expressed their deep concern about the political direction of the European Commission. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Commission President José Manuel Barroso said: "I think we should have 'ever closer union', but the basic legitimacy of our union is the member states."

The vacuous Lisbon Strategy backs this up - a plan that mixes hot air and a dearth of supranational substance.

The president of the Young European Federalists (JEF), Jon Worth, took exception to this, arguing that "Mr Barroso seems to have an unclear vision of the role that the Commission should be playing as a European institution".

Federalists have long argued that the EU system must be based on the dual legitimacy of the states and the people, with the states' interests represented in the Council and the citizens' interests in the European Parliament.

"Mr Barroso seems to have forgotten the citizens," continued Mr Worth. "Not only is that dangerous with Constitution referendums on the horizon, it also makes us profoundly worried about how Mr Barroso sees the role of the European Commission in the future."

How students are benefiting

Erasmus is the higher education programme that forms part of the EU's Socrates II Programme. It facilitates the exchange of students and staff between Higher Education institutions in Europe.

It is becoming an ever more common sight to see Maltese students going to study in a European university and students from other European universities coming to study here.

Since the programme was initiated for Maltese students, just over 500 Maltese students have gone overseas to study and double that number have come from Europe to study here. The students' movements are indicated in the table below.

The advantage for Maltese students is that they experience a different university, a different way of teaching. They learn to live for some time in a foreign country - and cope. They come back enriched. They can give their country the advantages of the experience they have gained.

The European students who come here experience Malta in a similar way. They strengthen the international dimension of our University. They go back to their country and have something to tell their friends about the smallest member state of the Union.

Erasmus multiplies the many human links between Malta and the rest of the EU. Now what monetary value can one attach to this programme?

Have you got something to offer?

If you are keen to play a part in the construction of Europe, why not join the European Movement (Malta)? Find out more on our Website at www.euro-movement.org.mt.