Verheugen the Merciful

When Günter Verheugen came to address the widest audience possible he wanted to appear as the man with all answers, who is in command, and whose decisions are final.

What he failed to be clear about, among other things, was what would be the financial contribution, to and from Malta, if it were to become a full member of the Union. His attitude was wait and see. He subtly blamed others that they would not be ready to give as much as he would like. Verheugen the Merciful.

Why shouldn't Malta join Verheugen rather than the whole Union? He seems so generous and ready to concede, even though he had to admit that after all he is negotiating for the other side. If concessions are not made, do not blame him. He is packing the packet, and that is your take away snack, whether you like it or not. As with fast foods it has to be standard, and he is in charge of setting those standards.

I doubt whether his word is in any way final. When he was appearing on television here in Malta the European People's Party (EPP) was meeting in Estoril and finalising its important document, "A Constitution for a Strong Europe." At present the EPP has a majority in the Union, and the Nationalist Party is affiliated to that confederation of parties.

On October 18, the same day Verheugen was proclaiming his policies and deriding the Malta Labour Party's position about a fruitful partnership rather than full membership in the Union, the document of the People's Party was saying the opposite. As I do not want to misquote, I am copying hereunder paragraph 6 of "A Constitution for a Strong Europe". As may be appreciated, this has been downloaded from the EPP Website. Read on for your information.

Paragraph 6

"The discussion on the borders of Europe is strongly linked with Europe's understanding of itself. Europe long ago became more than a free-trade area simply guaranteeing economic growth. It is now developing into a political union with common borders. We must go on preserving a balance between the enlargement of the European project and the consolidation of European construction.

"We feel it is necessary to set a perspective of European external boundaries. The geographic expansion of the Union must not outweigh its ability to integrate. EU should offer institutionalised co-operation to states which cannot become members for the time being. The EPP proposes the creation of a 'European Partnership', open both to Eastern Europe and to Mediterranean countries - similar to the European Economic Area - but including a political component. This would enable Europe to strengthen its institutionalised relations with countries neighbouring the Union and consequently promote peace and stability throughout the continent.

"In this context the competence and work of the Council of Europe are essential. This is one of the main reasons why closer co-operation between the European Union and the Council of Europe is of great importance for Europe's future. For many years, Europe has been more than simply a free trade zone. It is a de facto political entity, even if it has yet to be given all the means to fully exercise this role. Even within these limits, Europe has been constantly strengthening its formal links with other countries and acting to promote peace and stability. Moreover the EPP underlines the intangible nature of Europe's internal borders."

The EPP is making the proposal for inclusion in the future constitution of the EU that there would be "a European Partnership, open to Eastern and Mediterranean countries." The document refers to the countries within its borders which cannot become members at present. It is concerned about enlargement and true integration. In other words, the EPP feels that the rush for enlargement should not be at the expense of deepening of the integration process. This is diametrically opposed to the Verheugen's thesis.

I do not think...

I do not think that Verheugen would discard such a proposal, with the smirk on his face, as if this were a proposition coming out of nowhere. This idea of a "partnership" is necessary for the Union itself, as the pace at which there is going to be integration does not necessary match the pace of enlargement. This is a serious worry and has been voiced by the Danish Prime Minister.

I may be wrong but there seems to be a degree of reluctance now to proceed as planned. The Irish vote did remove a stumbling block, but this does not mean that all the problems have been solved. We are still in the process of having the draft of the Constitution, still in the lap of the gods and of Valery Giscard d'Estaing.

What would finally be the agreed constitution is still an arduous task. That is why the EPP made its proposals and even the People's Party took their time to declare their principles since the document, from which I quoted, was first launched in Berlin. I do not know whether Mr Verheugen was in Berlin when that document was launched.

The time I saw him in Berlin he was saying that enlargement was first and foremost in the interests of security of present members, including Germany of course (May 2001). That is also not consistent with his merciful give-away membership to applicant countries.