Dear Europeans,

The celebrations of Enlargement are over, the European parliamentary elections are coming closer and the debate surrounding the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) is getting more and more complicated. Tony Blair decided that "... the people have the final say." One thing is sure, it would be the first time that Britain would be entirely at the heart of Europe. Its historically ambivalent relationship to the EU could end up in rejecting the Constitution and thus setting the agenda for the EU of 25. Or, the UK would leave the Union - because legally speaking, the Constitution can only replace the Treaties if its member states unanimously agree on.

Since the decision has been made already, now the campaign should start. A fair campaign showing the benefits of the Consitution to the British citizens and identifying Britain’s role in Europe should be welcomed. But one doubt remains: was Blair (supposedly the first pro-European PM in Britain) hiding behind Miller and Aznar?

Crucially, the decision to put the Constitution to the popular vote in the UK helps Blair within the IGC negotiations. He will find the support for the “red lines” more easily, since the other 24 at the table will be afraid of a British No. Vetos in the areas of migration policy, on judicial co-operation in criminal law, in foreign policy and tax issues are more likely to remain in place. And national egoism might therefore be the key-word on a European summit another time.

The Irish presidency published the so-called “Meeting of Focal Points”, an analysis of the negotiations so far. This will be the basis for the meeting of Foreign Ministers on the 17. and 18. May, one month before the final IGC. The most conentious issues still remain open and this means that the old rule of never-ending horse-trading has been followed.

The EU of 25 is facing its first challenge, that goes far beyond anything else – will a step forward be finally made at the June summit? Will the EU get a more democratic, transparent and legitimate decision-making system?

The overlapping of EU Elections and the IGC gives one advantage – the European political life is more open. We have the chance to ask the politicans to fulfill their responsibility towards the European people and to clearly express their vision of the EU of 25. And the Constitution should be born with this in mind: the political process has to be open and people do care!

This bulletin will continue to be published on a monthly basis. The next edition will be send to you just after the EP Elections, on 14th June 2004. As usual you are welcome to send us your contributions to bulletin@jef-europe.net, deadline for the next issue is 10th June 2004.
You can read all articles of this Bulletin in full length on: http://www.constitutional-convention.net.

Wishing you all a nice Election time!

Editor in chief