Advertise On EU-Digest

Annual Advertising Rates

6/15/06

BBC NEWS: Europe diary: Summit manoeuvres

For the full report go to BBC or click on this link

Europe diary: Summit manoeuvres

A year after the French and Dutch said "No" to the constitution this was meant to be the big moment when the leaders came together and decided what to do next. But they won't. In fact they'll probably come up with the startling idea of coming together at a summit here in a year's time and deciding what to do next.The problem is that while some countries think the constitution is dead another large group refuses to accept this. On the whole, neither group wants to trumpet their view, in case they offend someone. So they'll rather lamely agree to "continue discussions" or some such phrase.

But don't believe it ends there. The Commission wants a grand declaration on the EU's purpose to be signed in the spring of next year. Britain is enthusiastic about this, arguing that if Europe faces new challenges, then it should have a new mission statement.

No comments: